Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

At 22:26 today, the first Supermoon of 2024 will be visible. This is a Blue Supermoon.

According to the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory of the Ministry of Science and Education, the Moon appearing in a blue hue is a very rare occurrence, which can happen due to dust from a volcanic eruption.

A seasonal Blue Supermoon is a rare event. The Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. A monthly Blue Moon is the second full moon that occurs in a single calendar month. The Supermoon that will be observed this time is a seasonal Blue Moon.

Because the Moon's orbit is elliptical rather than perfectly circular, the distance between the Earth and the Moon constantly changes. A Supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee.

During a Supermoon, the Moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter. On August 19, the Moon will rise at 19:41 and remain visible throughout the night until the early morning hours. During this time, the distance between the Earth and the Moon will be 361,969 kilometers.

By the end of the year, Supermoons are expected to occur on September 18, October 17, and November 15.

Translator: Reyhan Majidli, Public Relations, Press and Information Department of the Presidium Administration of ANAS

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