Date Published: 30/07/2024
Get ready for the August Sturgeon Supermoon
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August promises a celestial treat in Spain with meteor showers, full moons and supermoons
Image: Unsplash
Summer is the perfect time for stargazers in Spain to enjoy a variety of celestial spectacles. From meteor showers to full moons and supermoons, the warmer months provide plenty of opportunities to look up and marvel at the night sky.
Mark your calendars because the upcoming month will be packed with astronomical wonders.
This summer, the northern hemisphere will experience its longest season, lasting 93.7 days, with the summer solstice occurring on June 20 at 10.51pm in Spain. During this time, the Earth will be almost at its farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion, on July 5.
One of the highlights of the summer skywatching calendar is the August full moon, nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon. This year, on Monday August 19, the Sturgeon Moon will also be a Supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
The Sturgeon Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, as this was the time when sturgeon fishing was most successful in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.
Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon, creating a stunning visual spectacle. On average,
supermoons occur just 3 to 4 times a year.
For those interested in planetary observations, Mercury will be at its greatest evening elongation on August 10, providing a rare opportunity to spot the elusive planet in the night sky.
Additionally, Saturn will be at its brightest and closest to Earth on August 27, making it a perfect time for telescope observations.
Another unique event not to be missed is the appearance of asteroid 8 Flora on August 26. This large asteroid in the main asteroid belt will be visible through binoculars or telescopes, offering a glimpse into the distant past of our solar system.
For anyone in Murcia who wants to witness any of these astronomical events, the best place is at the Frinca Astronómica just outside Cartagena, which has entertaining stargazing and Astronomy Tours for the public in English:
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