Super Blue Moon

The Super Blue Moon of August 2024

A rare cosmic combination

On Monday, August 26, 2024, the Moon will reach its peak illumination at 2:26 p.m. EDT, marking the rare occurrence of a supermoon and a blue moon coinciding.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

What is a blue moon?

A blue moon is a term that can refer to two different lunar events:

• The second full moon in a calendar month
• The third full moon in a season that has four full moons

In the case of the August 2024 full moon, it will be both the second full moon of the month (the first occurred on August 1) and the third full moon of the summer season (which began on June 21).

When is the next super blue moon?

The last time a super blue moon occurred was in August 2023. The next super blue moon is not expected to occur until August 2037.

How to see the super blue moon

The super blue moon will be visible to the naked eye, weather permitting. The best time to view it will be shortly after moonrise, when it will be near the horizon and appear larger and more colorful.

Live coverage of the super blue moon

The EarthSky team will be providing live coverage of the super blue moon beginning at 12:15 p.m. EDT on Monday, August 26, 2024. Join us for all the latest news and updates on this rare celestial event.