Supermoon blue moon rising on August 19: Where to spot it and how to get the best view | Technology News
For all those who have been eagerly waiting for the next big celestial event, there is good news. As reported earlier, this year we are expected to see four supermoons in a row. The first of the four will take place on August 19, Monday at 2:26 PM EDT (about 12:00 AM IST). Interestingly, this will be a Supermoon Blue Moon.
For the uninitiated, according to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon is within 90 percent of its nearest approach to Earth. The term supermoon was coined by astronomer Richard Nolle in 1979. Full supermoons are known to be the brightest and biggest full moons of the year. It appears around 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than a regular moon. While the size and brightness could seem significantly high, it is rather difficult to tell the difference during the phenomenon.
On the other hand, there are two types of Blue Moon, and they have nothing to do with the color blue. A third full moon in a season that has four full moons is known as a seasonal blue moon. This is the type of Blue Moon that will be visible on August 19. The second type refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. The first Blue Moon was recorded in English dates from 1528 onwards. It is believed that the name Blue Moon originated from an old phrase meaning ‘betrayer moon’. Around the 1940s, the second full moon of a month with two full moons came to be known as a ‘Blue Moon.’
Supermoons have gained attention over the years due to their size and brightness. The next full moon will be in September and October.
Where to spot the supermoon Blue Moon?
Researchers claim that although the full moon rises at 2:26 PM EDT on August 19, it will continue to appear nearly full on nights closer to the date. This supermoon Blue Moon can be witnessed globally; however, the specific time when it will be visible may vary depending on the location and time zone.
In North America, the Super Blue Moon will reach its peak at 2:26 PM EDT on August 19. Here, however, it will appear full for about three days—from Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning, according to NASA. It will be visible on August 18, 19, and 20. Meanwhile, in Asia and Australia, the full moon will take place on the morning of August 20 from Nepal Standard Time eastward across the rest of Asia and Australia to the International Date Line. In India, we will be able to see it during the night of August 19 and into the early morning of August 20.
For those in Europe and Africa, the Super Blue Moon will be visible on the night of August 19. It will appear full from the evening of August 18 through the night of August 19 and into the early morning of August 20.
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Some tips to get the best view of the supermoon blue moon:
To get the best view of the supermoon, consider a location with a clear view of the horizon and minimal air pollution. Experts say that the supermoon will be visible shortly after it rises in the east-southeastern sky. This makes it important that you settle for an open area away from city lights.
Although a supermoon is visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience by revealing more details of the moon’s surface. Remember, clear skies are vital for the best viewing experience. You should check the weather forecast for your area to make sure that no clouds obstruct your view.
Experts suggest that one should give time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness. Vision will improve over time, with color vision adapting within 10 minutes and black-and-white vision improving for an hour or more. It is recommended that you avoid exposure to bright lights to maintain your night vision.
Also, there is something called the ‘moon illusion,’ which happens when the moon is near the horizon. The moon can appear larger due to this, which makes it the ideal time for photography or even enjoying the view. The effect is strongest when the moon is either rising or setting.
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If you have plans to take pictures, we recommend using a camera with a zoom lens to capture the details of the Super Blue Moon. Get a tripod to help the camera stabilize and produce higher-quality shots.
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