The month of August started off with a new full moon. This will not be the only visible phenomenon to the people’s eyes, as another supermoon will be observed at the end of the month.

The supermoon phenomenon occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is further away.

Rising in the east at a distance of about 357,530 km, the supermoon will be visible just after sunset, around 9:00 PM onwards – depending on the position of the clouds.

This first month’s full moon is called “Sturgeon Moon” because sturgeons were most readily caught during this part of summer in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

How can you observe the super moon?

The Royal Greenwich Museum said in a public announcement that “as long as there are not too many clouds, the full moon will be an unmistakable white orb in the sky”.

“This is a good opportunity to use a small telescope or a pair of binoculars to see the detailed surface of the moon, or even try to take some interesting photos of the moon. However, you can see the moon perfectly with just your eyes. Seeing the moon rise just after sunset, or the moon set just before sunrise, will be an impressive sight as it will appear larger compared to the surrounding landscape,” the release said.

The next supermoon is expected to be observed on the last day of August and it is a “Blue Moon”.

August is the only month this year when people will be able to start and end it by observing the supermoon phenomenon.