Supermoon Day on August 1: Know timings and when and where to watch the celestial phenomenon

The first day of the month of August is going to be an important occasion for astronomers as the supermoon will be spotted on Tuesday, August 1. During this phenomenon, the moon appears slightly bigger and brighter than normal due to its closeness to the Earth. Also known as a perigee-syzygy, a supermoon can be up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a full moon at apogee (the farthest point in the celestial body’s orbit around the Earth).

Let’s take a look at how close this supermoon will be, what time you can watch it and other details.

Supermoon: Why does it happen?

The phenomenon happens when the moon reaches its closest to the Earth during its orbit. The moon will be 357,530 kilometres from the Earth's surface on the night of August 1, which will make it appear bigger. A supermoon seems brighter because more of the sun’s rays reflect off the moon’s surface and reach the Earth. Each supermoon is known by various names. This one is also known as the Sturgeon Moon. The name is inspired by the sturgeon fishing peak in North America’s Great Lakes during August.

August 1 supermoon 2023: Timings, when to watch in India

The supermoon peak will happen at 12.02 am on August 2 in India (02:32 PM ET on August 1).

August 1 supermoon 2023: How to watch

To witness the supermoon in its full glory, the best option will be to use a telescope or binoculars. You can visit areas with clear skies to get a look at the celestial phenomenon.

Effects of the supermoon

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), high tides and low tides are more extreme during a supermoon. This happens due to a difference in the moon’s gravitational pull across Earth’s diameter. When the Moon is closer, the celestial body’s gravitational pull on the oceans (and the Earth’s crust) has a larger difference between the point on Earth closest to the centre of the Moon and the point on Earth diametrically opposite it.

Other supermoons in the month

August will witness not just one, but two supermoons. The second supermoon of the month will occur on August 30. Also called the blue moon, the phenomenon may not be visible in India as it will peak at 7:05 AM on August 31.