The Next Full Moon: A Supermoon and More
The next full moon, which will occur on August 1, 2023, is set to be an exceptional event. Known by various names such as the Sturgeon Moon, the Red Moon, the Corn Moon, and more, this supermoon will be visible for three days, starting from early Monday to early Thursday. Different publications have different criteria for what constitutes a “supermoon.” In 2023, some publications recognize four supermoons, while others only acknowledge two.
The term “supermoon,” coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle, refers to a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth. These full supermoons are particularly captivating as they are the largest and brightest full moons of the year.
The Maine Farmer’s Almanac has been publishing “Indian” names for full moons since the 1930s. According to this almanac, the Algonquin tribes referred to the full moon in August as the Sturgeon Moon because it was easier to catch the large fish during this time of year. Other names for this moon include the Red Moon, Corn Moon, Green Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Herb Moon, Grain Moon, and Dog Moon.
In Sri Lanka, every full moon is a holiday. In 2023, two Esala Poya holidays will be observed, including one on July 3 and another on the day of the full moon. Both holidays commemorate Buddha’s first sermon after reaching nirvana, which marked the beginning of Buddhism. This full moon also signifies the start of Vassa, a three-month retreat observed by Buddhist monks during the rainy season.
This full moon aligns with various lunar and lunisolar calendars, falling on or near the middle of the sixth month. It corresponds to Av in the Hebrew calendar and Muharram in the Islamic calendar. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic year and one of the four sacred months during which warfare is prohibited.
In addition to these celestial events, the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to take place in August 2023. Under ideal conditions, the Perseids can produce up to 100 visible meteors per hour, making it one of the most spectacular meteor showers. The best time to observe these meteors will be after 10 or 11 PM on Saturday night until moonrise on Sunday morning.
To witness the Perseids, it is recommended to be in a location far from urban light pollution, with clear skies and a wide view of the sky. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing, and avoid exposure to any light sources during the observation period.
All in all, the next full moon promises to be an extraordinary event, offering a celestial spectacle for enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. Mark your calendars and enjoy the wonders of the night sky!
