Whether you’re an astronomy nerd or just a run-off-the-mill selenophile (moon lover), there’s good news – a gorgeous supermoon will appear in the skies on August 19. This will be the first-ever supermoons of 2024. A supermoon last appeared in September 2023, almost a year ago, which makes this an extra special treat.
Sturgeon Moon
Like all supermoons do, this one has a specific name too – the Sturgeon Supermoon. The Sturgeon tag is a reference to the abundance of sturgeon fish that would be abundant in the Great Lakes and water bodies of North America. That’s the extent of this particular supermoon’s fishiness. Supermoons only happen three to four times a year and the next ones take place on September 18, October 17 and November 15.
What is a Supermoon?
A Supermoon is a full moon that appears brighter and larger than a usual full moon. The scientific definition is any full moon that is at its closest distance to Earth (perigee) in its orbit counts as a supermoon. Due to the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, it appears smaller or larger depending on how close our beloved satellite is positioned to Earth.
So, the moon doesn’t change size or get brighter overnight. But it will appear larger than the usual white disc in the sky we’re used to seeing as it’s closer to Earth this time. Expect a giant glowing orb to float across the skies on August 19 as supermoons appear 14% bigger and 30% brighter, says NASA.
Where to see the Sturgeon Supermoon in Dubai
Close enough to Fly To The Moon and back? Not at all. However, the Dubai Astronomy Group is having fun with that idea – they’re hosting a supermoon movie night event at Roxy Cinemas on August 19, with a screening of the 2024 romcom Fly Me To The Moon.
After you’ve ogled at stars Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johannson on screen, you can gawk at La Luna during the supermoon observation event using cutting-edge telescopes under the guidance of expert astronomers. Tickets to the supermoon movie night cost AED 169 per person, book here.
Not up for a movie night? As always with supermoons, you’ll can gawk to your heart’s content without any astronomy gear as this super-natural delight is easily visible to the naked eye. Unlike the Perseids meteor showers earlier this month, you don’t have to take off to the desert or a dark sport either.