The first supermoon of the year, also known as the “Sturgeon Moon” or Blue Moon, can be observed in many places in Vietnam.
This supermoon occurs in favorable weather conditions and can be observed in many places. Astronomy enthusiasts can see that tonight’s moon is brighter and larger than a normal full moon.
Supermoon at 6:30 p.m. seen from an apartment building in Phu My ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Huu Cong
Researcher Dang Vu Tuan Son, president of the Vietnam Astronomy and Cosmology Association (VACA), said this full moon is also called the “Blue Moon” because it is the third full moon out of four full moons this summer.
Specifically, if there are 4 full moons between an equinox and a solstice (this time between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox), the third full moon is called a blue moon. However, this is purely a cultural factor due to the naming conventions of some Western cultures. The moon does not have a different color than other days.
Supermoon over an areca garden in Quang Ngai City, at 8:10 p.m. on August 19, captured in milkyway mode on iPhone 13 mini. Photo: Pham Linh
Supermoon taken in Vung Tau at 8pm on August 19. Photo: Dang Khoa
The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon on September 17. In addition to being one of the most famous full moons of the year, part of the 2024 Harvest Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow during the night, causing it to be partially obscured by Earth, according to Live Science.
The most recent seasonal blue moons were in October 2020 and August 2021; the next seasonal blue moon will occur in May 2027.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. The moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, so each month it passes through its perigee (closest point to Earth) and its apogee (farthest point from Earth), according to NASA astronomer Fred Espenak.