Tonight’s supermoon — the first of two in August

tonight’s supermoon — the first of two in August

A supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon that appears larger and brighter than an average full moon. This phenomenon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the perigee. During a supermoon, the moon can be up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point from Earth, called the apogee.

The term "supermoon" became popular in recent years and is not an astronomical term officially recognized by the scientific community. Astronomers refer to this event as a "perigean full moon," but the term supermoon has gained widespread use due to its easy-to-understand and captivating nature.

Supermoons can be a breathtaking sight to behold, and they often attract attention from stargazers and photographers alike. The moon's larger size and brightness during a supermoon make it more visually striking and can create stunning photo opportunities. Keep an eye on the lunar calendar to catch the next supermoon for a memorable celestial experience!

The first of two supermoons in August will be visible from Central Texas Tuesday night into Wednesday morning under mostly clear skies.

The “Sturgeon Moon” is one of four supermoons in 2023, according to NASA. A supermoon is the term used when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, making the moon appear 7% larger and up to 30% brighter

According to NASA, the name “Sturgeon Moon” comes from the large fish in the Great Lakes that were more easily caught this time of year. Other names for the Aug. 1 supermoon include the Red Moon, the Corn or Green Corn Moon, the Barley Moon, the Herb Moon, the Grain Moon and the Dog Moon.

The second supermoon this month will be the Blue Moon, visible on Aug. 30.

How to see it

Tuesday night in Austin, the moon rises at 8:54 p.m. on the eastern horizon. Skies will be mostly clear all night into Wednesday morning, allowing clear viewing of the moon through moonset which occurs in the western horizon at 7:39 a.m.