Missed the Perseids meteor shower earlier this month? Chin up, because another stunning natural phenomenon will be happening in Singapore real soon – and this time, you won’t have to wake up at 3am in order to admire it. According to the Science Centre Observatory of Singapore, a rare Sturgeon Moon will be gracing us with its presence on August 19, 2024, shining big and bright over the entire island.
Last August, Singapore also got to enjoy a Sturgeon Moon as well as a Blue Moon, and these were two separate occurrences within the same month. This year’s Sturgeon Moon, however, is exceptionally special as it’s also a Blue Moon – an usual two-in-one occurrence that we don’t often see.
The last Blue Moon happened three years ago in 2021, and after this one, you’ll have to wait for another three years before the next one happens in May 2027.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Sturgeon Moon’s appearance, with info on the best viewing timings and locations, and other upcoming supermoons for the rest of 2024.
What’s a Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moon?
Both the Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moon are supermoons – in short, they are full moons at their closest positions to Earth, which means that they appear bigger and brighter than regular full moons.
The Sturgeon Moon is named after the sizeable sturgeon fish. The Native Americans believed that the sturgeon fish was more abundant in lakes during the period of the moon's occurrence.
A Blue Moon is not actually blue in colour. NASA’s definition of the term refers to the third of four full moons in a season – something that is considered rare as it happens only once every couple of years. A Blue Moon that’s a supermoon is even less commonplace.
When will the blue Sturgeon Moon be appearing over Singapore?
This rare Sturgeon Moon will make its appearance on August 19, 2024, a Monday evening.
What’s the best time to catch the August 2024 Sturgeon Moon in Singapore?
The Sturgeon Moon will start making its ascent in our skies at around 7pm on August 19, and will be best viewed from 9pm onwards. It should still be visible on August 20 where it will reach its highest point at around 1am.
Where are the best places to see the Sturgeon Moon in Singapore?
Provided that there’s good weather with clear skies, you should be able to admire the Sturgeon Moon from just about anywhere in Singapore – your own HDB flat would probably be one of them, especially if you live on a high floor. But to take things up a notch, you could always head over to scenic outdoor spots such as East Coast Park, Jurong Lake Gardens, Anywhere within the heart of the city that’s high-rise and unobstructed would probably work just as well – an alfresco restaurant or rooftop bar in the Marina Bay area are some examples, and make the perfect setting for a moongazing date.
Will the Science Centre be holding a supermoon viewing party?
There won’t be a viewing session at the Science Centre Observatory, but you can always join in on their Friday stargazing sessions to learn more about the cosmos.
Can we see the supermoon with our naked eye?
Thankfully, yes. No special equipment is required for you to view this Sturgeon Moon, and snapping photos of it using your smartphone camera shouldn’t pose much of a challenge either.
Are there going to be other supermoons during the rest of 2024?
Yes, there will be other supermoons appearing in Singapore in the coming months apart from the Sturgeon Moon on August 19. Do mark these dates in your calendar to avoid missing out:
- September 18 – Super Harvest Moon
- October 17 – Super Hunter’s Moon
- November 15 – Beaver Moon
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