In a rare astronomical event, the month of August will showcase not one, but two supermoons. These celestial phenomena, which occur when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth at the same time it is full, will captivate sky-gazers with their stunning brightness and size. The first supermoon will rise on August 1st, known as the sturgeon supermoon, reaching its peak illumination in the afternoon at 2:32 p.m. ET. This supermoon will set on August 3rd at 5:11 a.m. ET.

But the cosmic spectacle doesn't end there. To conclude the month, a super blue moon will grace the night sky on August 30th. A blue moon is the second full moon in one calendar month, a rare occurrence that happens every 2-3 years. This blue moon will rise at 7:10 p.m. ET, reach its peak at 9:36 p.m. ET, and set on August 31st at 6:46 a.m. ET. It is important to note that despite its name, a blue moon does not have a blue color; it appears the same as any other full moon.

These supermoons in August are not only a treat for moon enthusiasts but also a sight that won't be seen again until January 2037. The last time a super blue moon occurred was in December 2009, and after August 2032, the next opportunity to witness this event will be in August 2032.

The August 30th blue moon will be the biggest supermoon of the year, taking up a large portion of the sky and potentially displaying different colors depending on its position in the horizon. A red or yellow hue may indicate a moon seen near the horizon, as some of the blue light is scattered away by the Earth's atmosphere, sometimes containing fine dust.

To fully appreciate these celestial wonders, it is recommended to look up at the night sky during warm summer evenings, especially during the moonrise in the eastern sky, shortly after sunset. The supermoons in August will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or backyard telescopes can enhance the experience by revealing intricate features such as lunar maria and rays emanating from lunar craters.

The excitement surrounding these supermoons is palpable among astronomers and sky-watchers alike. Renowned NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, known as Mr. Eclipse for his expertise in chasing eclipses, suggests that the August supermoons provide a fantastic opportunity to gaze at the sky and discover its wonders. Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, plans to capture the beauty of the supermoon rising over the Coliseum in Rome and share it with viewers through a live webcast.

So mark your calendars and prepare for a captivating cosmic display. The supermoons in August will showcase the moon in all its glory, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of the universe. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these celestial marvels, as they won't grace our skies again for many years to come.