Supermoon August 2023: Date, time, when to watch blue moon in US

August 2023 will feature two of the biggest celestial events this year. People in the US are set to witness two remarkable celestial events known as super moons, one of which is a rare blue moon. One of the names bestowed upon this moon is the "sturgeon moon", originating from historical times when the Great Lakes witnessed a plentiful presence of large fish called sturgeons during this period. Additionally, this particular moon has been referred to as the "green corn moon" in certain traditions.

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, the sunset and moonrise times for three different locations are as follows:

In London, the sunset will occur at 8:50 pm (BST), and the moonrise will be at 9:23 pm (BST). The full moon will be at its peak at 6:33 pm (BST).


In New York, the sunset will take place at 8:13 pm (EDT), and the moonrise will follow at 8:44 pm (EDT). The full moon will reach its zenith at 1:33 pm (EDT).

In Los Angeles, the sunset is scheduled for 7:55 pm (PDT), with the moonrise anticipated at 8:28 pm (PDT). The full moon will culminate at 10:33 am (PDT).

By August 16, the moon will undergo a crescent phase. As we approach August 30, the moon will appear as a "blue moon," signifying the occurrence of a second full moon within a single month. According to The Almanac, this blue moon, known as the "blue sturgeon moon," will reach its peak at 9:36 p.m. ET and is anticipated to be the largest full moon of the year.

The lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, transitioning from full moon to new moon and back to full moon. Consequently, most months typically have only one full moon. However, on occasion, a second full moon can occur within the same month, giving rise to the popular expression "once in a blue moon."

On average, we can expect to witness a blue moon every three years, with the next occurrence scheduled for May 2026. Additionally, a "supermoon" takes place when the moon's orbit brings it closest to the Earth precisely during the full moon phase. This phenomenon results in a visibly larger and brighter moon in the night sky.

FAQs

Q1. When can I watch Supermoon?
A1. In New York, the sunset will take place at 8:13 pm (EDT), and the moonrise will follow at 8:44 pm (EDT). The full moon will reach its zenith at 1:33 pm (EDT) on August 1. In Los Angeles, the sunset is scheduled for 7:55 pm (PDT), with the moonrise anticipated at 8:28 pm (PDT). The full moon will culminate at 10:33 am (PDT) on August 1.

Q2. When can I watch blue moon?
A2. By August 16, the moon will undergo a crescent phase. As we approach August 30, the moon will appear as a "blue moon," signifying the occurrence of a second full moon within a single month. According to The Almanac, this blue moon, known as the "blue sturgeon moon," will reach its peak at 9:36 p.m. ET and is anticipated to be the largest full moon of the year.