Supermoon sightings: Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moon visible from Singapore in August
The Sturgeon Moon will be visible on Aug 1 while the Blue Moon can be seen on Aug 31.
Singaporeans can witness two Supermoons during the month of August – a phenomenon where the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance than usual.
The first Supermoon, called the Sturgeon Moon, will be visible in Singapore on Aug 1. At a distance of 357,581km, the Sturgeon Moon is the second closest Supermoon to Earth this year.
According to the Science Centre Observatory, its name originated from the Native Americans, who associated it with the large Sturgeon fish. This is the time of the year where the Sturgeon fish is believed to be abundant in the Great Lakes and other significant bodies of water in North America.
The Sturgeon Moon will begin rising around 7pm from the Southeast direction in Singapore. It is expected to be at a noticeable height in the sky by 9pm.
The Sturgeon Moon will continue its ascent until it reaches the Meridian at 1am and then proceed to set in the Southwest direction. The moon will set at 7.25am on Aug 2.
The Blue Moon, the second Supermoon of the month, will grace Singapore’s skies on Aug 31. Anticipated to be the brightest and closest Supermoon to Earth this year, it is expected to come as close as 357,182km at its nearest point.
The name popularly refers to the second Full Moon in a calendar month with two Full Moons. The last Blue Moon was seen on Oct 31, 2020.
The Blue Moon will begin rising at 7.34pm on Aug 31, approximately from the East direction. It will then be at an appreciable height for viewing in Singapore from 9pm onwards.
The Blue Moon will continue its ascent until it reaches the Meridian at 12.51 am and then proceed to set towards the Southwest direction. It will set at 7.03am on Sep 1.
According to the Science Centre Observatory, the two Supermoons will be easily visible anywhere in Singapore “as long as the skies are clear and offer an unobstructed view”.
However, those looking for a potentially elevated view of the Sturgeon Moon and the Blue Moon with panoramic views of the city skyline can visit open public areas like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park and the Southern Ridges.
The Observatory shared that the moon’s appearance can also vary depending on the atmospheric conditions and the specific location.
The last Supermoon of the year, the Harvest Moon, can be spotted on Sep 29.
