Super Blue Moon Rises

Once in a blue moon, celestial events light up the sky. On Monday, a super blue moon made an appearance, the likes of which we won't see again soon.

This rare occurrence had multiple monikers: supermoon, blue moon, and Sturgeon Moon. The "super" refers to the moon's orbit bringing it closer to Earth, making it appear bigger and brighter. The "blue" moon indicates a third of four full moons this season, an unusual event. The "Sturgeon" name comes from Native American tradition, referring to the sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes, which are most catchable in August.

Here's a round-up of the supermoon around the globe:

• Texas - Supermoon over the Lone Star State
• New York City - Statue of Liberty shines under the Supermoon
• Istanbul - A stunning Supermoon rises over the city
• California - Timelapse of the Supermoon rising
• UK - A clear view of the Supermoon
• China - Breathtaking Supermoon illuminates the night sky

The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. It describes a new or full moon very close to Earth in its orbit, occurring 3-4 times a year, per NASA.

A "blue moon" has two definitions: a seasonal one, indicating the third of four full moons in a season (like this summer); and a monthly one, indicating two full moons in a calendar month.

As for the "Sturgeon Moon," the [Old Farmer's Almanac](https://www. almanac.com/content/sturgeon-moon-august) explains its origin:

"August's full moon was traditionally called the sturgeon moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer."

We'll see four more full moons in 2024:

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