Rare blue supermoon to grace sky tonight

Stargazers are in for a treat tonight as the August full moon, dubbed the “Sturgeon Moon“, graces the sky today.

This year’s lunar display coincides with a supermoon, a term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in the late 20th century to describe a full moon at its closest point to Earth.  

Named for the large sturgeon fish once plentiful in North American Great Lakes, the Sturgeon Moon has its roots in Native American traditions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac popularised these lunar names in the mid-20th century, connecting them to seasonal activities and natural phenomena.  

While the moon will appear full for several nights, it reaches peak illumination at a specific moment. Observers can expect to see the moon up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual during its supermoon phase.

This is the first of four supermoons in 2024.

The next ones should fall on 18 September, 17 October and 16 November.

Blue moons are much rarer, so there won’t be another one until May 2026. 

In-Cyprus