Best time to see tonight’s super blue moon over France
It is the first of four supermoons expected this year
Tonight we will see a ‘blue’ moon…named after its appearance in the lunar calendar and not its colour
A rare ‘blue supermoon’ of 2024 will be visible tonight, however you may have to look up into the sky earlier than you think to get the best view.
The ‘sturgeon’ moon appears in August having picked up this name from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a book first published in the US in 1792.
It is known as the lune de l'esturgeon in French, with the names in the Almanac – probably influenced by Native American terminology – becoming globally popular.
In 2024 however, the sturgeon moon is a ‘supermoon’, the first of four that will be visible in skies this year.
Supermoons come in continual waves for four or so months each year, meaning the moons in September, October, and November of 2024 should also be supermoons.
The moon appears larger in the night sky during this period as it is closer to the earth than normal when orbiting.
This is why supermoons follow each other in consecutive months, as the moon is still closer to us than at other points in the year.
On average, supermoons seem 7% larger, and about 16% brighter. However, tonight’s will appear nearly 14% larger, and 30% brighter.
A better explanation by actual scientists on supermoons is given in the video below.
A ‘blue’ moon
In addition, this supermoon will also be a ‘blue’ supermoon.
A blue moon does not change its colour, but is named after its appearance in the lunar calendar, either being the second full moon in a calendar month (a monthly blue moon), or the third full moon in a season of four full moons (a seasonal blue moon).
This is where the phrase ‘once in a blue moon’ comes from, however seasonal blue moons are fairly common.
Monthly blue moons are rarer, and the occurrence of multiple monthly blue moons in a year only happens around four times in a century on average.
None of this will influence how the moon looks tonight which is caused solely by its proximity to the Earth.
Read more: Spectacular photos of storm ‘red sprites’ in France
When can I see the moon?
According to US Space Agency NASA, the moon will be visible in Paris (and most of France) from 18:26.
The moon will continue to rise in the sky, and will be most visible in the early hours just after sunset (around 21:00), as it will be at its highest point in the sky between then and prior to midnight.
As the moon will appear lower on the horizon, it will have a slightly orange or red hue, compared to the blue and grey/violet moons seen when it is higher in the sky.
With the exception of coastal Brittany, a cloudless sky is forecast, meaning the moon should be visible across France with ease.
Light pollution may impact visibility somewhat (less so than for stargazing), so ideally find a rural spot without lights.
The moon will be visible with the naked eye, however use a telescope or binoculars for the best views.
Read more: PHOTOS: Spectacular Northern Lights captured over France last night
