A Celestial Spectacle: Two Full Moons Light Up South Africa’s Sky in August 2023

1 min read
full moon astronomy

In August 2023, South Africans will be able to witness a rare astronomical event: two full moons. The first one, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will occur on August 1, while the second, a blue moon, will grace the sky on August 30.

The Sturgeon Full Moon

The name “Sturgeon Moon” refers to the large sturgeon fish found in the Great Lakes region, which are commonly harvested during this time. Sturgeon fish are vital members of the Great Lakes ecosystem, known for their remarkable size and strength. The reddish hue of the Sturgeon Moon is caused by the interaction of sunlight with the Earth’s atmosphere during this period.

The Blue Full Moon

Contrary to its name, the blue moon does not look blue. It describes the rare occurrence of two full moons appearing within a single month. The blue moon on August 30 will also be a supermoon, meaning it will be closer to Earth than usual, causing it to appear larger and brighter than a standard full moon. This will be the closest supermoon of the year.

Visibility of Full Moons in South Africa

South Africans can witness the Sturgeon Moon peak at 8:31 PM SAST on August 1, while the blue moon will peak at 3:35 PM SAST on August 30. The moons will be visible to the naked eye.

Ideal Locations to Observe the Full Moons

For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to observe both full moons from a dark sky location, where they can be seen in all their glory. Light pollution in cities may affect their brightness.

Origins of Full Moon Names

The full moon names can be traced back to Native American tribes who used them to track seasons. These names reflect the activities and events that occurred during specific times of the year. The Sturgeon Moon is named after the abundance of sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes at this time, while the Blue Moon gets its name from the way it appears in the sky: its proximity to Earth causes a deeper blue hue.

Stargazing enthusiasts can look forward to August 2023, which presents a unique opportunity to witness two extraordinary celestial events. Remember to mark your calendars and venture outside to marvel at the beauty of the night sky during this special month.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Grant Williams: Overcoming Challenges and Making Waves in Rugby

Next Story

South Africa: Discovering Hidden Gems

Latest from Blog

The Incredible Journey of Leon Koks: A Beacon of Hope for Medical Technology Advancements

Leon Koks’ successful completion of the Comrades Marathon after undergoing robotic surgery for colon cancer is a testament to the lifechanging potential of advanced medical technology. The Western Cape Health Department’s investment of R80 million in surgical technology has resulted in over 600 successful robotic surgeries, providing numerous benefits such as shorter hospital stays and expedited healing. These breakthroughs in healthcare demonstrate the transformative power of medical innovation in revolutionizing the healthcare system and improving patients’ lives.

Identifying the Unidentified: A Crisis Unfolding in South Africa’s Western Cape

Over 300 unidentified bodies, including 66 children, are currently held in state morgues in South Africa’s Western Cape. The identification process involves fingerprinting, DNA testing, or other scientific methodologies, with burial initiated after 30 days if no identification is possible. Unclaimed bodies are often from unnatural deaths due to financial barriers hindering families from organizing funerals, with violent deaths on the rise. Efforts to tackle the issue include a violence prevention unit adopting an areabased team strategy.

Honoring Cape Town’s Distinguished Coffee Culture

Cape Town has a great coffee culture that has earned international recognition. The city’s coffee scene is a celebration of passion, creativity, and resilience, with outstanding roasters and skilled baristas. Cape Town has made a remarkable achievement by securing the ninth position in the prestigious US food aficionado, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2024 rankings of top coffee cities, beating out Melbourne. The city’s coffee heritage reflects its people and history, making it a unique and noteworthy destination for coffee lovers globally.

Turmoil and Discord: The Rafiq Du Pont Controversy

Rafiq Du Pont, a man from Mitchells Plain and affiliated with the 26s gang, was accused of sexually assaulting a 17yearold girl. Despite DNA and video evidence, charges against him were dismissed due to the discovery of DNA from two unidentified individuals on the swabs collected from the girl. Du Pont admitted to having an extramarital affair and warned married men to avoid relationships with younger women. This case highlights the need for ongoing discussions about sexual assault, consent, and age of consent.

Revitalization of the City Park Building: A New Era Begins

Mama Shelter, a famous hotel chain known for its unique and vibrant aesthetics, is opening a new hotel in the City Park building in Cape Town. The hotel will feature 127 guest rooms, coworking spaces, a gym, a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the city, as well as a new concept called Mama Play, including tenpin bowling and karaoke. The joint venture between Ennismore and Kasada promises to revitalize the once deserted City Park building, marking Mama Shelter’s debut in the South African market and contributing to the rejuvenation of Cape Town’s central business district.