The 2024 supermoon season will commence on August 19 with the much-anticipated Sturgeon Supermoon. This celestial event occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest proximity to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Scientifically known as perigee-syzygy, this phenomenon makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.
The name "Sturgeon Supermoon" originates from an ancient tradition of the native inhabitants of eastern North America. These indigenous groups named the August full moon after the sturgeon, a large fish that inhabits the waters of the East Coast of the United States, Canada, and the Great Lakes region. The bright moonlight made it easier to catch these fish at night. The sturgeon, which can grow up to four meters long, is famous for its roe, used to produce some of the world's most prized caviar.
Upcoming Supermoon Events
The 2024 supermoon events don't end in August. On September 17, a second supermoon will be accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse, visible across much of America, Africa, and Europe. The highlight of this astronomical series will occur on October 17, when the moon will reach its closest point to Earth for the entire year, at just 357,364 kilometers. This will be the most spectacular supermoon of 2024, due to its increased size and brightness compared to the others.
The series of 2024 supermoons will conclude on November 15 with an event that, while less striking than October's, will close a celestial cycle that has captured the attention of skywatchers worldwide. These supermoons not only offer an impressive visual spectacle but also rekindle interest in lunar exploration, aligning with NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send a new generation of astronauts to the moon in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2024 Supermoon Season
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the exciting supermoon events of 2024.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
Why is it called the Sturgeon Supermoon?
The Sturgeon Supermoon is named after the sturgeon fish, which were more easily caught during the bright August full moon by native inhabitants of eastern North America.
When will the most spectacular supermoon of 2024 occur?
The most spectacular supermoon of 2024 will take place on October 17, when the moon will be at its closest point to Earth for the entire year.