If you’re an avid stargazer or just love the thrill of cosmic events, you’re in for a real treat over the next few months! The night sky is set to dazzle us with not one, not two, but four consecutive supermoons, each bringing its own unique flair. Plus, there’s even more celestial magic on the horizon with a rare planetary conjunction, a vibrant meteor shower, and a potential naked-eye comet. Let’s break down what to expect and why you won’t want to miss these sky shows.
Super Blue Moon – August 19, 2024
- What’s Happening? This isn’t just any full moon; it’s a Super Blue Moon, which occurs when a blue moon (the second full moon in a calendar month) aligns with a supermoon (when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit). The result? A moon that appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.
- Why It’s Special: Super Blue Moons are rare, happening only once every decade on average. This August’s Super Blue Moon will be the third full moon of the summer, making it a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Supermoon Eclipse – September 18, 2024
- What’s Happening? As if a supermoon isn’t exciting enough, September brings us a Supermoon Eclipse! Earth’s shadow will partially cover the supermoon, creating a brief but beautiful eclipse visible from various parts of the world.
- Where & When to Watch: In the U.S., the partial eclipse begins on September 17 at 10:14 PM EDT, peaking around 10:44 PM. It’s a short event, but one that promises to be unforgettable.
Biggest Supermoon of the Year – October 17, 2024
- What’s Happening? October’s supermoon will be the largest of the four this year, appearing even bigger and brighter than its predecessors.
- Why It’s Worth Your Time: This supermoon’s size will be a noticeable highlight in the sky, making it a prime target for photographers and skywatchers alike.
Super Beaver Moon – November 15, 2024
- What’s Happening? The last of the four supermoons will rise in November, known as the Super Beaver Moon. While not as flashy as the others, it’s still a supermoon, meaning it will be larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
- Fun Fact: The name “Beaver Moon” comes from Native American and colonial folklore, marking the time of year when beavers begin to prepare for winter.
Bonus Cosmic Events
- Planetary Conjunction – August 14-15, 2024: Mark your calendars for a spectacular conjunction of Jupiter and Mars. These two planets will appear exceptionally close, almost touching in the sky. The best time to view this is in the pre-dawn hours on August 15.
- Perseid Meteor Shower – August 12-13, 2024: Known as one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year, the Perseids can produce up to 100 meteors per hour! This year, with the moon setting early, the skies will be perfect for meteor watching.
- Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) – October 2024: Discovered just last year, this comet might become the brightest object in the night sky. Expected to peak in early October, it could outshine even the brightest stars—if it survives its close approach to the sun.
Tides and Flooding: Should You Worry?
Supermoons and Tides: Supermoons are known to cause King Tides, which are higher-than-normal tides. However, whether these lead to flooding depends on other factors like weather conditions. So, while the tides will be higher, they don’t automatically mean floods are coming.
The upcoming months offer a rare opportunity to witness a series of breathtaking celestial events. From the mesmerising Super Blue Moon to the possibility of seeing a comet with the naked eye, the night sky is set to be an open-air planetarium. So grab your telescope or binoculars, find a dark spot, and get ready to be amazed!
