Get Ready for a Celestial Spectacle: Blue Supermoon to Light Up San Antonio

Residents and visitors in San Antonio, brace yourself for a celestial spectacle this coming week as the rare blue supermoon is set to light up the city. This grand astronomical event will unfold from August 19 to 22, drawing the attention of avid skywatchers and casual observers alike.

When to Catch the Blue Supermoon?

The blue supermoon will be visible over the course of four beautiful August nights. Here’s when to best see this unique spectacle:

• August 19: The moon will rise at around 7:53 p.m. To catch the moon as it first emerges, arrive early. Make sure to locate a spot with a clear view to the east.
• August 20: The moon will be at its fullest and brightest, peaking at 1:17 a.m. This night is the optimal time to bask in its grandeur, and a brilliant opportunity to capture some stunning photos.
• August 21 and 22: As the moon starts to wane, its brightness slightly diminishes, yet it will still offer an impressive sight for late-comers.

For optimal viewing, head to areas with wide-open skies and minimal light pollution.

What Makes a Blue Supermoon ‘Super’?

The term ‘supermoon’ has become popular more than it is scientific. It denotes a full lunar phase coinciding with an exceptionally close swing by the Earth, an event that happens only three or four times consecutively per year due to the moon’s constantly shifting, oval-shaped orbit.

While a supermoon isn’t physically larger, it may appear so thanks to its proximity to our planet. However, the difference can be barely noticeable unless you’re a frequent observer of full moons or compare them in images.

Supermoons of 2024: A Comparative Take

A total of four supermoons is anticipated in 2024. Their distances from Earth vary considerably. The first, occurring in August, will maintain a distance of 224,917 miles. Next, the supermoon in September will be nearly 3,000 miles closer. A partial lunar eclipse will also occur during September’s supermoon. October will bring the closest supermoon of the year, at a distance of 222,055 miles from Earth, followed, in November, by a supermoon at 224,853 miles.

What’s the Big Deal?

Though only the keenest observers might spot the subtle differences in the supermoons’ sizes, their brightness shift is more discernible. The light of a supermoon may be up to 30% brighter than normal.

With renewed lunar interest fueled by lunar exploration programs from the U.S. and other countries, the moon beckons brighter than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or just looking for a unique way to spend your evenings, the blue supermoon offers a dazzling event not to be missed.

Mark your calendar, set your alarms, and get ready to take in this rare astronomical phenomenon in the San Antonio sky.