First of two supermoons to appear over California skies tonight. What makes it special?
A full, red moon will shine over California tonight, making its first of two appearances for the month of August.
The supermoon or “Sturgeon Moon,” is phenomenon in which the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth while the moon phase is full, according to NASA. During this time, the moon will look much larger and brighter than on your average night.
The supermoon only occurs three to four times a year and typically happens consecutively, NASA stated on its website.
The next supermoon, called the Full Blue Moon, will show on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
What time is the first supermoon?
Tonight’s supermoon will appear at moonrise at 8:52 p.m.
Moonset is 7:01 a.m.
Attention all supermoon super fans!
The first of two supermoons occuring in August is happening tomorrow night.
For a more detailed forecast, head to https://t.co/TUekUeI0X7
and enter in your zip code.#Cawx pic.twitter.com/k36f0edYHb— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 1, 2023
How can I see it?
You can usually see the moon without much effort.
Depending on your eyesight, you might be able to see white and grey patches on the moon, which are solidified volcanic lava flows, according to NASA.
If you have binoculars or a telescope, you’ll be able to see the moon’s craters, mountain ridges and its texture.
The further away from light pollution you are, the better chance you have of seeing the stars, too.
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