Supermoons in 2024: Here's how many there are, when to see them and why they happen

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
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Full moon enthusiasts, this one's for you: There are four supermoons to look forward to in 2024.

As the moon dons its "super" status, expect a visual feast with the lunar orb appearing up to 14% larger and casting an ethereal glow that's 30% brighter than a usual full moon.

While astronomers typically label the phenomenon as perigee-syzygy, the term 'supermoon,' which originated in astrology, has been embraced by astronomers, describing a full moon being within 10% of its closest distance to the Earth.

Here's when to see all four supermoons in 2024.

When are the super moons of 2024?

Here are the four supermoons of 2024, according to EarthSky.org:

  • Monday, Aug. 19.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 18.

  • Thursday, Oct. 17.

  • Friday, Nov. 15.

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What happens during a supermoon?

Supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon that appears larger and brighter than a regular full moon. This phenomenon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, according to NASA.

When a supermoon occurs, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point from Earth. While the difference in size and brightness may not be easily noticeable to the casual observer, supermoons attract attention due to their slightly more prominent and striking appearance in the night sky.

How rare is it to see a supermoon?

Supermoons happen periodically as the moon's orbit brings it closer to Earth. They are not rare events and several supermoons can occur in a year.

How many supermoons are there in a year?

On average, there are three to four supermoons in a year, according to the National History Museum in London. However, the actual number can change. It depends on the specific criteria used to define a supermoon, as well as the variations in the moon's orbit.

What is the rarest moon called?

The term "rarest moon" can be subjective and depends on the specific context.

One lunar phenomenon that is often considered rare and noteworthy is the blue moon. A typical lunar cycle is about 29.5 days and most months only have enough time for one full moon.

However, due to the misalignment of the lunar month with the calendar month, approximately every 33 months, there is an opportunity for two full moons to occur within the same calendar month.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Supermoons 2024: How many are there and how to see them