Next Full Moon: Supermoon Over Texas?

Next week, stargazers will be treated to August's full moon—and it's going to be bigger and brighter than usual. This rare celestial event, known as a supermoon, happens when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Here are all the details you need to know:

When: The supermoon will be visible starting Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.

What:

"August's full moon will appear slightly larger than normal and is known as a supermoon," - Space.com

NASA defines a supermoon as:

"...a full moon that appears larger and brighter in the sky than a typical full moon. This happens because the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a position known as perigee...At its perigee, the moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point from Earth, called apogee."

Origin of the Term "Supermoon":

"The term supermoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 to describe a new or full moon that is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth in its orbit."

Frequency:

"A supermoon occurs about three to four times a year," - NASA

Name:

"The supermoon in August is known as the Sturgeon Moon because sturgeons, a type of fish, are more efficiently caught in August and early September," - Farmer's Almanac

Visibility in Texas:
Warm, typical August weather is expected across Texas with varying cloud cover. The Sturgeon Moon will rise in the afternoon and be best visible in the evening.

Best Viewing Time in Texas:

"The Sturgeon Moon should be visible from Texas starting at 1:28 p.m. Monday, according to the Almanac's moon calendar."

Upcoming Full Moons in 2024:
There will be four more full moons visible this year:

• Sept. 17: Harvest Moon
• Oct. 17: Hunter's Moon (Full Super moon)
• Nov. 15: Beaver Moon (Full Super moon)
• Dec. 15: Cold Moon

How to Observe:
The supermoon can be viewed with the naked eye, or through a telescope or binoculars.

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