RIYADH: The first supermoon of 2024 is set to be visible across the globe on Monday, including in the Kingdom, according to the Jeddah Astronomy Society.
The phenomenon occurs when the full moon is closer to Earth than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky.
Majed Abu Zahra, head of JAS, explained that this particular supermoon, also known as a seasonal blue moon, happens approximately once every 2.5 years.
It is the third full moon of four within the current season, which spans from the summer solstice to the autumn equinox.
Despite its name, the moon will not appear blue.
The term “supermoon” refers to a full or new moon that occurs when the moon is within 90 percent of its closest distance to Earth. In this instance, the distance between the centers of the Earth and the moon will be 361,969 km.
The supermoon will rise in the southeast after sunset and may initially appear with an orange tint due to atmospheric dust and particles scattering the reflected sunlight. As it ascends, it will take on its usual silvery-white hue and remain visible throughout the night until sunrise on Tuesday.
While the supermoon might seem larger and brighter than a typical full moon, Abu Zahra noted that most observers may not notice a significant difference, especially if visibility is affected by clouds or artificial lights.
The apparent size of the moon can also be difficult to gauge when it is high in the sky.
The supermoon will have minimal effects on Earth, leading to slightly higher and lower tides due to the moon’s gravitational pull, which is a normal occurrence during full moons. This additional pull will not cause any unusual weather or geological activity.
For those keen on observing the moon, this supermoon offers an ideal opportunity, as the lunar surface will be brightly lit, with the landscape appearing flattened due to the sun fully illuminating the moon’s face.
