Supermoon Season: Lunar Wonders Await Skywatchers

As night falls next week, sky enthusiasts across South Africa and the globe will witness the start of an extraordinary series of lunar events. August's supermoon is set to grace the skies, inaugurating the first of four such spectacles this year.

The lunar phase that sweeps into our night sky on Monday promises an up-close look at our Moon, as it orbits a touch closer to Earth, making it seem larger and more luminous than average. This supermoon, a term more poetic than scientific, happens when the Moon is full and at the perigee—the closest point in its oval-shaped path around Earth. The cosmic coincidence of these two events amplifies the Moon’s natural grandeur, though Noah Petro, NASA's project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, emphasizes that the apparent increase in size may be subtle to the casual observer.

The sequence doesn't stop with August. The coming months lay out a stellar itinerary: September's supermoon not only continues to showcase this enlarged appearance but also pairs with a partial lunar eclipse. During this eclipse, partial shading of the Moon by Earth's shadow will be visible in many parts of the world, including South Africa, giving the illusion of a celestial nibble. October will host the closest supermoon of 2023, a scant 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) away from Earth, while November's event concludes the annual quartet.

While some supermoon distinctions may seem slight, their 30% increase in brightness compared to the average full moon is discernible and captivating for enthusiasts and astronomers alike. Currently, with international momentum growing for lunar explorations—embodied by efforts like the United States' Artemis program—public and scientific interest in our satellite is soaring.

For South Africans who enjoy stargazing, these lunar observances offer an accessible way to connect with the cosmos. Detailed timing and local viewing conditions may be found through astronomy apps and local planetariums to maximize the experience. Get ready, set your sights skyward, and participate in this universal display of nighttime wonder!