A Double Dose of Moon Magic conjures up in August Supermoons of 2023.
A Moonstruck August.
Hold onto your telescopes, lunar lovers! This August, the night sky is serving up a double scoop of celestial ice cream with not one, but TWO full supermoons. That’s right, on August 1st and 31st, our faithful satellite will be strutting its stuff, appearing bigger and brighter than usual. Let’s start with a scoop of facts and fun surrounding this rare lunar event.
Supermoon 101: The Science Behind the Spectacle.
Before we get carried away by the moon magic, let’s get our facts straight. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, also known as perigee. This makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Double Trouble.
Having two full moons in a single month is a rare event. On August 1st we will see the Sturgeon Full Moon and the 30/31st, 2023 at 9:35 p.m. ET Aug. 30 (0135 GMT on Aug. 31) the closest supermoon this year will rise. This full moon is often referred to as a “Blue Moon,” as it is the second full moon within a single month. But having two supermoons in one month? The last time we had this double delight was back in 2018, and after this year, it won’t happen again until 2037.
Moonlit Activities.
Now for the fun:)Â Supermoons are a great excuse to spend some time under the stars. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, here are a few ways to celebrate:
- Moonlit Picnic: Grab some snacks, a comfy blanket, and head to your favorite stargazing spot. Enjoy the moonlit landscape and the company of your loved ones.
- Moon Photography: Supermoons are a photographer’s dream. Grab your camera and capture the moon in all its glory.
- Moon Meditation: The full moon is a powerful time for reflection and intention setting. Why not take advantage of the extra lunar energy and have a moonlit meditation session?
Celebrating the Celestial Show.
This August, we’re being treated to a rare lunar spectacle that’s sure to light up our nights and our Instagram feeds. So, whether you’re a lunar lover, a stargazing newbie, or just someone who appreciates a good celestial show, don’t miss out on this double dose of moon magic.