In a year of four supermoons, August is particularly bountiful. We're getting two supermoons this month and they happen to be the biggest and brightest ones we'll see in 2023. The first, called a Sturgeon Moon, was visible in Singapore on August 1 and is the second closest supermoon to our planet this year. If you missed that, no worries. The second supermoon, known as the Blue Moon, is expected to be the biggest and brightest, so look out for it when it appears in our skies tonight (August 31).
What is a supermoon again?
These occur when the moon's orbit is closest to our planet, causing it to appear larger and brighter than usual. The Sturgeon Moon will be 357,581km from Earth at its nearest point. Meanwhile, the Blue Moon will be just 357,182km from our planet at its nearest point.
Why are they called the Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moon?
Just like the Buck Moon, we have the Native Americans to thank for the name of the Sturgeon Moon. It's named after sturgeon fish, which the Native Americans noticed were plentiful in North American waters during this time of the year.
The Blue Moon refers to the second full moon in a calendar month with two full moons. This is different from the seasonal definition of a Blue Moon, which refers to the third full moon in an astronomical season with four full moons. It's quite rare to see two full moons in a single month – it happens every two to three years, so don't miss this one.
What time will the Sturgeon Moon be visible?
It will begin rising at 7pm on August 1 from the southeast direction and should reach an appreciable height by 9pm. It will reach its highest point in the sky at 1am before starting its descent in the southwest sky. It will have set by 7.25am on August 2.
What time will the Blue Moon be visible?
The Blue Moon gets a later start, rising at 7.34pm on August 31 from the east. It will reach an appreciable height for viewing from 9pm onwards, rising till it reaches its highest point in the sky at 12.51am. It will descend in the southwest direction and set by 7.03am on September 1.
And if you were wondering: no, the moon will not appear blue. But it will be very big and bright.
Where are the best spots to view the August supermoons?
The Buck Moon should be visible anywhere in Singapore. Find a place with wide, unobstructed views of the night sky – we always recommend a rooftop or open parking lot with no tall buildings around. For a beautiful backdrop of the Singapore skyline, the Science Centre Observatory recommends locations like Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and the Southern Ridges.
Do I need any special equipment?
Thankfully, no! The Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moons are visible to the naked eye – barring cloudy weather – and are so big and bright that they'll be hard to miss.
When is the next supermoon?
If you happen to miss the August supermoons for some reason, you can wait for the Harvest Moon on September 29.
The best stargazing spots in Singapore
The best rooftops with stunning views of Singapore
The best free things to do at night