2023's celestial showstopper: Witness rare double supermoons in August!
August Supermoon: August will treat stargazers to an extraordinary spectacle as two supermoons grace the skies, forming a rare phenomenon known as the blue moon. Supermoons occur when the full moon's orbit brings it closer to Earth, making it appear significantly larger and brighter, up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than when it is at its farthest point. This celestial occurrence arises due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, causing it to be alternately nearer or farther from Earth.
The first supermoon will dazzle on August 1, a Tuesday, when the moon approaches Earth at a distance of 357,530 km, as reported by The Guardian. This marks the second supermoon of the year, following the one on July 2.
Prepare for another striking phenomenon on August 30, as the moon will come remarkably close to Earth, just 357,244 km away, according to the same outlet.
To put these distances into perspective, the moon's farthest point from Earth lies around 405,696 km.
Retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak shared with Sky News that warm summer nights are the perfect opportunity to observe the full moon rising in the eastern sky shortly after sunset, and this August, it occurs twice, presenting a celestial treat for skywatchers.
“Warm summer nights are the ideal time to watch the full moon rise in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset. And it happens twice in August,” said retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, dubbed Eclipse for his eclipse-chasing expertise.
When the skies are clear of clouds, the full moon will be a captivating white orb, providing an excellent chance to use small telescopes or binoculars to observe its intricate surface or even attempt capturing fascinating moon photos.
This double supermoon event is a rarity, as the last time two full supermoons coincided in the same month was back in 2018. Such an extraordinary celestial sight won't grace our skies again until 2037, as confirmed by Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi.
So, mark your calendars and make the most of this celestial wonder unfolding in August, as you won't get another chance like this for nearly two decades!
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- With inputs from agencies
