Get set for an astronomical treat tonight when the first of two "super Moons" this month will be visible. What we call Super Moons occur because in its elliptical orbit about Earth the Moon is much closer than usual, in this case 222,159 miles away - which means the lunar disk will have a larger angular size or diameter. On the night of August 30th the Moon will be closer still, at 222, 043 miles away. In addition, because of being the 2nd full Moon this month it will also earn the title of "blue Moon". (The year’s first Super Moon was in July. The fourth and last will be in September. The two this month will be closer, so the Moon will be larger, than either of those.)
Provided clear skies, you will be able to watch the full Moon rise tonight in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset. While the naked eye is sufficient, a good (e.g. 7 x 50) binoculars or a backyard telescope can enhance the experience. By that I mean such features as lunar maria will be revealed as well as the rays emanating from lunar craters. I plan to have both my 7 x 50 mm binoculars ready as well as my hand held 50 mm objective 'Admiral's telescope with an eyepiece that will be able to enlarge the Moon 25x.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the August full moon is
traditionally known as the Sturgeon moon. That’s because of the abundance of that
fish in the Great Lakes in August, hundreds of years ago. Whatever the name, get out tonight and enjoy the sky show.
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