Canada's rare supermoon this month will be 'bigger and brighter' than any seen yet in 2024
Here's when Ontarians can get a look.
A supermoon over the Parliament of Canada.
You'll want to keep your eyes on the skies this month because a rare supermoon will be visible over Canada. The supermoon is the first of 2024 and will be "bigger and brighter" than any of the full moons so far this year, according to the Farmers' Almanac.
A supermoon occurs when either a new or full moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, causing it to appear larger and more luminous.
This month's full moon is rare because it's both a supermoon and a blue moon. It won't actually appear blue in colour; instead, it's called a blue moon because it's the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, according to NASA.
It's also known as a sturgeon moon as it is the full moon of August and it will be a "gorgeous summer sight," according to the Farmers' Almanac.
The supermoon will reach its peak on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 2:26 p.m. EDT. It will be visible for a total of three days, from Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning.
Of course, Canadians won't be able to see the supermoon at its peak as it will be the middle of the day. However, you'll still be able to see this celestial phenomenon come nighttime.
On August 19, the Farmers' Almanac suggests you "look toward the southeast after sunset to catch a glimpse of the sturgeon moon rising."
The time of moonrise depends on where you live, but for the Toronto area, it will be around 8:35 p.m.
There will be a few more supermoons to look out for before the end of the year, including the full supermoon of October 17, 2024, which will be the closest of 2024.
Look up on August 19 to see this rare moon illuminate the skies over Canada.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.