August has been a busy month for moon displays. On August 1st, we were treated to a Super Sturgeon Moon. I was in Wilmington, North Carolina that evening and was surprised at the most magnificent orange Moon I had ever seen. Unfortunately, I could not get a good photograph at the time.
On August 16th, a rare Micro New Moon graced the skies. A New Moon is what is referred to as the invisible phase. A New Moon is when the Sun and Earth are on opposite sides of the Moon and are aligned. In our line of sight, the Moon is not illuminated by the Sun. Making the Moon dark in our skies. In this month’s new moon, it is smaller than usual because it is a Micro New Moon. A Micro New Moon is when the Moon will be at its farthest point from the Earth. Making it appear small.
The second Full Moon this month will start on August 31st at 01:35 UTC/7:35 PM MDT and continue until the next morning (see tips below). This full Moon will be a Super Blue Moon. According to TimeandDate.com, “the last time we had a Super Blue Moon was in December 2009, and the next time will be in 9 years, in August 2032.” Making this Moon, a once in a “Super” Blue Moon. See several Supermoons set to music: https://youtu.be/ncmDrNvnShY
I love taking photographs during a Supermoon when it is close to the horizon. Because of the illusion it presents. A Super Full Moon can look up to 7% bigger than an average Full Moon (“Moon Illusion”). A moonrise or moonset close to the horizon can trick our brains into thinking it is much bigger than it actually is. Providing the chance to take amazing photographs.
3. Know the moonrise and moonset times. The Full Moon rises in the evening and sets in the morning. These times correspond with what is called the golden hour. Which are times the colors are extra bright. Early mornings are when I have taken my best Supermoon photos. See several Supermoons set to music: https://youtu.be/ncmDrNvnShY
4. Weather is a big factor. Always check the weather. I have taken some of my best photos on partly cloudy nights.
5. In Colorado, on August 31st, the Moon will approximately rise in the East at 8:18 p.m. (97°E). This is when you want to be in position to get great pictures of the “Moon Illusion.” At 8:18 p.m. the Moon will be rising on the horizon. Being in a field without buildings, mountains or other obstacles is best. By Midnight, it will only be 35° in the sky (altitude) in the south-southeast above the horizon. So, if you have obstacles in the way looking south-southeast. They need to be shorter than 35°.
To roughly figure that out, face South-Southeast and put your arm straight up. Your arm is now 90° from the horizon (right-angle). Now lower your arm halfway between straight up and the horizon. That will give you a very rough idea where 35° lies above the horizon. See several Supermoons set to music: https://youtu.be/ncmDrNvnShY
6. In Colorado, on the morning of September 1st, the Moon will set at approximately 8:16 a.m. in the West (267°W). This is my favorite time to snap pictures of a Supermoon. Here in Colorado, we fight with the Rockies blocking our Sun and Moon sets. So, make sure you are in position way before 8:16 a.m. I would be out and in position as soon as sunrise. Which is about 6:27 a.m. in Colorado on September 1st.
Since the Moon is setting. You should see it making its way to the 267°W point. Which is where it is setting along the horizon. If you face your body to the North and were to twirl yourself around once and return to your North starting position. You would have made a 360° turn. Where your starting position is 0°N and due South would be 180°S (halfway). So, think of 267°W to be somewhere between North and South looking West.
If this is over the Rockies for you, you will get fantastic pictures of the setting morning Moon. If you are lucky enough, you will have a red glow over the mountain side. So, wish for a clear sky.
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