Stargazers Are Over the Moon This August

M.C. Millman 

This August will feature not only a pair of supermoons but a rare blue moon at the end of the month as well.

The first supermoon will take place tonight. The full moon will appear bigger and brighter than usual in the southeast sky. The increase in size and brightness is be due to the fact that the moon will be closer than usual to Earth at a mere 222,159 miles away. This gives it the supermoon label.

On August 30, though, the second supermoon will be even closer at 222,043 miles from Earth. Additionally, since it will be the second full moon in the same month, it is called a blue moon.

The last time two full supermoons appeared during the same month was in 2018. The experience won't repeat itself until 2037. 

Binoculars or backyard telescopes trained on the moon will enhance the experience if the skies are clear on those nights.