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While humans continue to look up to the Moon, a celestial view is set to dazzle as the last supermoon of the year takes to the skies. Named after the largest fish found in North America, the Sturgeon Moon will rise on August 12 and appear bigger than usual as it comes closer to the planet.

The supermoon will be visible on August 12 at 07:05 am and will be visible through the night. The event will coincide with the annual Perseid meteor shower.

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the Full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This position is called perigee and in its 27-day orbit around Earth, the Moon is at the closest distance to Earth at 3,63,711 kilometers. In this phase, the Moon appears larger and brighter than usual.

The August 12 supermoon will be the last of the year and the next Super Full Moon will only be visible a year later on August 1, 2023. Similar to 2022, four Supermoons will take to the skies in 2023 as well, followed by four more in 2024 and three in 2025.

Why is it called Sturgeon Moon?

The August 12 full moon will be called Sturgeon Moon after the largest fish found in the US. It is at this time of the year that this species of fish is found in most numbers in the Great Lakes in North America. The largest freshwater fish on the American continent, the male sturgeon, has a life of 55 years, while females can live up to 150 years.

The unique celestial development is also called the Corn Moon since it is the beginning of harvesting season in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, according to timeanddate, the Celts called it the Lynx Moon and Dispute Moon, pointing to the delicate balance of nature and harvest.

Author

India today