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August Blue Supermoon: The best time to witness the striking full moon in Spain
The beautiful full moon will peak in Spain on Monday August 19, but it should remain bright for three days
Stargazers in Spain are in for a treat as the year's brightest and largest supermoon, also known as the Blue Moon, will illuminate the night skies on Monday August 19. This rare cosmic event, the first of four consecutive supermoons, will be visible for three nights, offering a stunning sight for all to enjoy.
It comes hot on the heels of the Perseid meteor shower, which lit up the skies over Spain last week.
The supermoon will reach its peak in Spain at 8.26pm on Monday, but skywatchers will have a three-day window to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. From Sunday morning to early Wednesday morning, the moon will appear full and exceptionally bright, providing an extended opportunity to admire its beauty.
This supermoon is even more unique as it coincides with a Blue Moon, a phenomenon where there are four full moons in a season instead of the usual three. The last time this lunar double feature occurred was in August 2023, and we won't see another until January 2037, so it's definitely an event not to be missed.
About a quarter of all full moons are supermoons, and they occur when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, in its elliptical orbit. During this phase, the Moon can appear up to 14% larger and a remarkable 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point, known as apogee.
Interestingly, this proximity to Earth not only makes the Moon appear larger but also significantly impacts our planet, causing higher-than-normal tides.
The beauty of the supermoon is that it can be observed with the naked eye, and no special equipment or location is needed. The supermoon will rise throughout the night, reaching its highest point just before dawn. If the sky is clear, anyone can just step outside and enjoy the show but if it’s cloudy, you can still catch the supermoon on the nights before or after the peak, as it will appear full and bright during those times as well.
Despite its name, the Blue Moon will not appear blue. Instead, the term refers to the second full moon in a month or the third of four full moons in a season. This particular supermoon is also known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name originating from the Algonquin tribes, who observed that sturgeon fish were more easily caught during this time of year.
Also of interest: The comet of the century will soon be visible from Spain
Image: BlueHypercane761 via Wikimedia Commons
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