First Supermoon Of 2024: Skygazers can enjoy this celestial event on this day

A supermoon which is even bigger than the usual full moon will be visible on August  19 at 2.26 pm ET or 11:56 pm (IST).  This celestial event going to take place for the first time on this date in 2024.

This is a rarely occurring phenomenon, this supermoon is also called a blue moon, this event takes place when the moon's full phase occurs and the moon and Earth's distance is closer or minimum due to the moon's orbit around Earth is perfect circle that results in this event.

The last time a supermoon occurred was on  August 30, 2023, and the 2016 supermoon was the closest in 69 years. According to the Nasa astrophysicist, Fred Espanak claimed that there will be 4 supermoons this year.

In the month of August, September, October, and November respectively. The full moon will have a 90% closest approach to Earth during these times. According to Espanak, the closest supermoon will be on 17 October at 7:26 am ET which would be 4:56 pm IST.

In an interview with space.com, NASA’s Noah Petro explained that for this event to occur, the Moon must be at its closest point to Earth in its 27-day orbit. This alignment happens every 29.5 days, but it only occurs a few times a year because the Moon’s orbit changes orientation as Earth orbits the Sun.

The supermoon makes the Moon appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger than a typical full moon. This phenomenon provides a great chance to observe the Moon when it looks slightly bigger and brighter, as it will be at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

The term "supermoon" was popularized by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and has since been adopted by astronomers. In 2024, several supermoons are scheduled, including a Super Harvest Moon with a partial lunar eclipse on September 18.

On October 17, the Super Hunter’s Moon will be the closest full supermoon of the year. Finally, on November 15, another full supermoon will conclude the series. These celestial events offer wonderful opportunities for observation and photography.