Residents of Pretoria are in for a celestial treat this August as a rare Super Blue Moon graces the night sky.

This extraordinary event, where the moon appears larger and brighter than usual, won’t occur again until 2037, making it a must-see for stargazers and casual observers alike.

According to NASA, a blue moon happens once every two or three years on average, but a blue moon that’s also a supermoon is even more uncommon.

The time between super blue moons can be as much as 20 years ― but in general, ten years is the average.

The next super blue moon pairing will be in January and March 2037.  

The “super” part refers to the moon’s orbit, which brings it slightly closer to Earth this month, upping its size and brightness.

How rare is it to see a supermoon?

NASA explains that supermoons occur three to four times yearly and always consecutively.

Full supermoons are the biggest and brightest full moons of the year, appearing approximately 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual.

Blue in this case, means it’s the third of four full moons this season, which is unusual. As for “sturgeon,” that refers to the Native American name for August’s full moon.

August’s full moon, which is coming Monday, August 19, has several names, including super moon, seasonal blue moon, and sturgeon moon.

In South Africa, August’s full moon is named Peace Moon.

The name comes after the Centre for Astronomical Heritage (CfAH) identified 23 concepts (one for each first Full Moon in a calendar month plus one for a possible second Full Moon) representing essential cognates to “South Africa.”

“South Africans have been confused by these Full Moon names since wolves never roamed the South African shores and it does not snow in February.

“Not only are these names irrelevant in the South African context, but an opportunity to celebrate what is iconic and proudly South African is lost with each setting Full Moon.”

The CfAH is a non-profit company working to protect South Africa’s astronomical heritage.

Here is a list of South African full moons in 2024:

• Jan 25, 19:54 Mantis Moon
• Feb 24, 14:30 Dassie Moon
• Mar 25, 09:00 Harvest Moon
• Apr 23, 01:54 Diamond Moon
• May 23, 15:54 Frost Moon
• Jun 22, 03:12 Sisters Moon
• Jul 21, 12:12 Meerkat Moon
• Aug 19, 20:24 Peace Moon
• Sep 18, 04:36 Spring Moon
• Oct 17, 13:30 Whale Moon
• Nov 15, 23:30 Milk Moon
• Dec 15, 11:06 Springbok Moon

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