August’s Rare Super Blue Moon

August's Super Blue Moon 2024 put on an epic show worldwide.

The Super Blue Moon occurred at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT) on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, when the moon was 100% fully illuminated. Moonrise times are dependent on your viewing location.

August's full moon was a seasonal Blue Moon meaning it's the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. The term supermoon refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth during its orbit, according to NASA. August's full moon will be followed by three more supermoons on Sept. 17, Oct. 17 and Nov. 15.

What is a Super Blue Moon?

A Super Blue Moon is simultaneously a full moon, blue moon, and a super moon. It is a celestial occurrence that combines two intriguing lunar phenomena: the Blue Moon and the Super Moon.

The Blue Moon, which is the first element of this cosmic duo, refers to the second full moon that graces our skies in a single calendar month. This event is a rarity, occurring approximately every 2.7 years.

The Supermoon, the second component of this cosmic spectacle, is a full moon that appears exceptionally large and luminous. This optical illusion is created by the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, causing it to be closer at certain times than others.

The first of these three is pretty well known to us: a phase in the lunar cycle in which the Earth, sun, and moon are aligned with the Earth in the middle, so the moon is fully illuminated on Earth.

A blue moon is not about the color of the moon, but instead the frequency of the full moon. There are two definitions of a blue moon—the first describes when there are two full moons in a single month. Since the moon’s cycle is 29.5 days, and our average calendar month is 30-31 days, it is incredibly rare to have two full moons in one single month, but it is possible, happening every two to three years, according to NASA. Around 3% of full moons are blue moons.

There are also seasonal blue moons, in which a calendar season contains four full moons instead of the usual three, and the blue moon is the third of the four full moons. August’s full moon is of this variety. The next seasonal blue moon is expected in May 2027.

The super moon part refers to the moon's orbit, which brings it slightly closer to Earth this month, making it appear bigger and brighter. This occurs since the moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical instead of just a circle, and thus there are times when the moon is further and closer to our planet.

During the moon’s closest approach to Earth, it can appear approximately 14% larger and shine 30% brighter than when at its farthest point in the orbit. This will be the first of four consecutive super moons this year, and it is less rare than the blue moon, occurring three or four times a year.

August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon moon, dubbed by the Algonquin Native American tribe living in the Great Lakes area and throughout what is now known as the northeastern United States. They named the full moon after sturgeons—a type of large fish—which were most plentiful in the lakes during the month of August.

How rare is a super blue moon?

According to NASA, the combination of the super moon and the blue moon is rare, and the time between their occurrences is quite “irregular” and could be as much as 20 years, with 10 years between the average.

Though we had a super blue moon somewhat recently, in August 2023, NASA predicts the next super blue moons will occur in January and March 2037.

As blue moons are a rare and captivating astronomical event, occurring only once every 2-3 years, this rarity is what gives it such potent astrological power. In the realm of astrology, the moon is closely associated with our emotions, intuition, and inner selves. When a blue moon occurs, it signifies a powerful energetic shift that can have a profound impact on our lives. When a blue moon graces the night sky, it can have a profound impact on each of the zodiac signs.

The Enduring Fascination with Blue Moons

So, how often does a blue moon really occur? Whether we’re talking about the seasonal definition (once every 2.5 years on average) or the monthly definition (once every 2.7 years on average), it’s clear that blue moons are indeed relatively rare events. This rarity, combined with the moon’s long-standing cultural significance, has cemented the blue moon’s place in our collective imagination.

From ancient folklore to modern pop culture, blue moons continue to captivate us. They remind us of the complex dance of celestial bodies that governs our days, months, and years. They inspire art, music, and literature. And they provide a moment of wonder in our often-busy lives, encouraging us to look up at the night sky and marvel at the beauty of our natural world.

While blue moons may not have mystical powers or portend significant events, their occurrence is a testament to the intricate workings of our solar system. They highlight the slight mismatch between our calendar months and the lunar cycle, serving as a reminder that nature doesn’t always fit neatly into the boxes we create.

The next time you hear someone say “once in a blue moon,” you’ll know that while it’s not an everyday occurrence, it’s perhaps not as rare as the saying implies. And the next time a blue moon graces our night sky, take a moment to step outside, look up, and appreciate this astronomical quirk that has fascinated humanity for generations.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a lover of folklore, or simply someone who enjoys contemplating the night sky, blue moons offer a special opportunity to connect with the rhythms of the cosmos. So mark your calendars, keep an eye on the sky, and don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of a blue moon.