Rare Supermoon Today: 'Blue Moon' To Light Up The Sky On Raksha Bandhan

Rare Blue Moon: A supermoon will be visible in India on Aug 19. This supermoon, first of 4 consecutive ones to be seen this year, is also a "Blue Moon". The luner event aligns with Raksha Bandhan.

August Blue Moon 2024: A rare supermoon will be visible across India on Monday, August 19, marking a notable event for skywatchers. The Moon, visible from Sunday evening, will reach its peak brightness and size at 2:26 PM EDT on Monday, according to NASA. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth while it is full, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

This supermoon is also referred to as a "Blue Moon", a term used for the third full moon in a season that contains four full moons. The August 19 supermoon is the first of four consecutive supermoons expected this year, providing further opportunities for observation in the coming months.

Despite the name, 'Blue Moon', there will be no change in the Moon's colour. The event coincides with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi Purnima, being observed on August 19 this year. The festival is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.

What Is A Supermoon And Why This Event Matters

A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit while simultaneously being full, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. The term "supermoon" was first coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and has since gained widespread recognition due to its visual impact. 

While the event is largely driven by astronomy, it holds cultural significance across various societies. The August full moon is often called the “Sturgeon Moon” by Native American tribes in the northeastern United States, named after the large fish that were commonly caught during this time. 

Other names include the Corn Moon, Barley Moon, and Grain Moon, reflecting the agricultural cycles of different regions. In Chinese culture, it aligns with the mid-autumn festival, a time for family reunions. 

The event’s significance across different cultures highlights how lunar cycles have been historically integrated into human traditions and practices, blending science and cultural observances.

The first time the use of the term "Blue Moon" was recorded in English was in 1528.

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Viewing The Supermoon In India

The supermoon will be visible from the evening of August 18 through early August 21, with the best viewing times being around moonrise on August 19. The supermoon will peak on August 19 at 11:56 PM IST, according to NASA. 

The Moon will appear largest and brightest when it is low on the horizon. It promises to be an awe-inspiring sight, appearing larger and brighter than a regular full moon due to its proximity to Earth. This proximity makes a supermoon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.

The next full Moon is on September 17. 

Best Tips To View The Blue Moon

For those eager to catch the supermoon in its full glory, here are some tips from NASA:

1. The Moon will start rising shortly after sunset on August 19. The best views will be when it’s low on the horizon, around moonrise or moonset, giving it an even larger appearance due to the "moon illusion".

2. Find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Urban areas with tall buildings and light pollution may affect visibility, so it's best to head to open fields, rooftops, or less-populated areas.

3. The supermoon offers excellent opportunities for photography. Using a tripod and capturing the Moon with foreground elements, like landmarks or landscapes, can result in stunning shots.