<p>A supermoon is set to occur for the first time this year in the month of August and will illuminate the sky. On August 19, the supermoon will occur in which the Moon will appear a little larger and brighter, in comparison to a typical full moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This happens when the orbit of the Moon brings it closest to Earth, which is called perigee, coinciding with the full moon. The supermoon is expected to occur on August 19 at 2:26 PM ET, which will be 11:56 PM IST in India. This will be the year's first supermoon.</p>

<h2><strong>Four supermoons in 2024</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's former astrophysicist and eclipse expert Fred Espanak said that four supermoons will occur in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The supermoons are scheduled in August, September, October, and November. A supermoon has been defined by Espanak as a full moon which occurs Moon has made 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-to-occult-saturn-in-a-rare-eclipse-heres-how-to-watch-this-celestial-event-in-india-after-18-years-743660">Moon to occult Saturn in a rare eclipse. Here's how to watch this celestial event in India</a></p>

<p>On October 17, the closest supermoon of 2024 will occur at 7:26 AM ET, or 4:56 PM IST. Generally, three to four supermoons happen every year.</p>

<p>The term "supermoon" has been used by researchers and scientists for around four decades, it received significant public attention in 2016 after astronomers spotted three consecutive supermoons.</p>

<h2><strong>Why does Supermoons occur?</strong></h2>

<p>The Moon has been orbiting the Earth in an elliptical path at a distance of nearly 382,900 km. Because of the gravitational influences from the Sun, Earth and other planets, the apogee and perigee distances of the Moon vary every month.</p>

<p>As per NASA's Noah Petro, the Moon's orbit has been irregular because of these gravitational forces.</p>

<p>When the Moon is at its closest point in its 27-day orbit, a supermoon is said to occur. The moon gets fully illuminated by the Sun and occurs approximately every 29.5 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-proposes-information-superhighway-between-earth-and-moon-742681/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>This kind of alignment is rare and occurs only a few times a year when the orientation of the Moon's orbit changes.</p>

<p>When a supermoon occurs, the Moon is nearly 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than its usual size. The difference, however, cannot be discerned with the naked eye.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A supermoon is set to occur for the first time this year in the month of August and will illuminate the sky. On August 19, the supermoon will occur in which the Moon will appear a little larger and brighter, in comparison to a typical full moon.

A supermoon is set to occur for the first time this year in the month of August and will illuminate the sky. On August 19, the supermoon will occur in which the Moon will appear a little larger and brighter, in comparison to a typical full moon. This happens when the orbit of the Moon brings it closest to Earth, which is called perigee, coinciding with the full moon. The supermoon is expected to occur on August 19 at 2:26 PM ET, which will be 11:56 PM IST in India. This will be the year's first supermoon. Four supermoons in 2024 NASA's former astrophysicist and eclipse expert Fred Espanak said that four supermoons will occur in 2024. The supermoons are scheduled in August, September, October, and November. A supermoon has been defined by Espanak as a full moon which occurs Moon has made 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. Also Read: Moon to occult Saturn in a rare eclipse. Here's how to watch this celestial event in India On October 17, the closest supermoon of 2024 will occur at 7:26 AM ET, or 4:56 PM IST. Generally, three to four supermoons happen every year. The term "supermoon" has been used by researchers and scientists for around four decades, it received significant public attention in 2016 after astronomers spotted three consecutive supermoons. Why does Supermoons occur? The Moon has been orbiting the Earth in an elliptical path at a distance of nearly 382,900 km. Because of the gravitational influences from the Sun, Earth and other planets, the apogee and perigee distances of the Moon vary every month. As per NASA's Noah Petro, the Moon's orbit has been irregular because of these gravitational forces. When the Moon is at its closest point in its 27-day orbit, a supermoon is said to occur. The moon gets fully illuminated by the Sun and occurs approximately every 29.5 days. Watch: China proposes information superhighway between Earth and Moon This kind of alignment is rare and occurs only a few times a year when the orientation of the Moon's orbit changes. When a supermoon occurs, the Moon is nearly 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than its usual size. The difference, however, cannot be discerned with the naked eye. (With inputs from agencies)

Supermoon treat! This celestial event is to occur for first time this year on this date. Here's how to watch

<p>Skywatchers assemble! Saturn, the giant ringed planet might make its best appearance of 2023 this weekend. The sixth planet will be the brightest and best placed (as seen from Earth) during this time, which will be a delight to skywatchers’ eyes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This weekend, Saturn will be situated directly opposite the Sun with Earth in the middle. According to NASA, the gas-giant will also reach its perigee, that is, it will be closest to Earth. The combination of these two celestial events will make Saturn appear at its brightest and biggest this weekend.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacex-set-sight-on-saturday-for-launch-of-crew-7-to-international-space-station-629325">NASA, SpaceX set sight on Saturday launch of Crew-7 to International Space Station</a></p>

<p>The planet will remain visible through February 2024.</p>

<p>Here is everything you need to know to see Saturn at its brightest and best in 2023:</p>

<h2><strong>When will Saturn be at its biggest and brightest?</strong></h2>

<p>Saturn’s best view can be seen on Sunday (Aug 27), as per Space.com. On Sunday, the planet will reach its highest point around midnight in North America, while the exact moment of its appearance will occur a few hours later, around 4:20 am EDT (8:20 GMT or 1:50 pm IST) on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the moment of opposition, Saturn will reach magnitude 0.4, its brightest for 2023. Brighter objects have a lower magnitude; the full moon, by comparison, has a magnitude of around -12.6, according to NASA. This means Saturn should be easily visible to the unaided eye as a bright, non-flickering orb in the sky.</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch Saturn at its brightest and biggest?</strong></h2>

<p>Though on Sunday, Saturn can be viewed with the naked eye, but binoculars will reveal more detail and bring out the pale yellow colour of the planet. Under the right conditions, some high-power binoculars could even begin to bring out faint traces of Saturn's rings or even its largest moon, Titan.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-scientists-close-on-to-figure-out-male-infertility-after-full-sequencing-of-y-chromosome-629426">Explained | Scientists finally decipher enigmatic Y chromosome, feat to help study male infertility</a></p>

<p>Through a telescope, however, Saturn's rings should be clearly apparent. The gas giant's rings are currently beginning to tilt more on-edge toward Earth and will continue to do so through 2025, according to NASA. That makes this weekend an optimal time to catch a glimpse of one of the best night sky targets available to most backyard skywatchers.</p>

<h2><strong>The best way to find Saturn in the night sky</strong></h2>

<p>The ringed planet is currently within the constellation of Aquarius, which is visible in the northern sky as seen from the northern hemisphere. It would be perfect to find a clear view of the southern horizon to spot Saturn easily.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Skywatchers assemble! Saturn, the giant ringed planet might make its best appearance of 2023 this weekend. The sixth planet will be the brightest and best placed (as seen from Earth) during this time, which will be a delight to skywatchers’ eyes.

Skywatchers assemble! Saturn, the giant ringed planet might make its best appearance of 2023 this weekend. The sixth planet will be the brightest and best placed (as seen from Earth) during this time, which will be a delight to skywatchers’ eyes. This weekend, Saturn will be situated directly opposite the Sun with Earth in the middle. According to NASA, the gas-giant will also reach its perigee, that is, it will be closest to Earth. The combination of these two celestial events will make Saturn appear at its brightest and biggest this weekend. Also Read | NASA, SpaceX set sight on Saturday launch of Crew-7 to International Space Station The planet will remain visible through February 2024. Here is everything you need to know to see Saturn at its brightest and best in 2023: When will Saturn be at its biggest and brightest? Saturn’s best view can be seen on Sunday (Aug 27), as per Space.com. On Sunday, the planet will reach its highest point around midnight in North America, while the exact moment of its appearance will occur a few hours later, around 4:20 am EDT (8:20 GMT or 1:50 pm IST) on Sunday. At the moment of opposition, Saturn will reach magnitude 0.4, its brightest for 2023. Brighter objects have a lower magnitude; the full moon, by comparison, has a magnitude of around -12.6, according to NASA. This means Saturn should be easily visible to the unaided eye as a bright, non-flickering orb in the sky. How to watch Saturn at its brightest and biggest? Though on Sunday, Saturn can be viewed with the naked eye, but binoculars will reveal more detail and bring out the pale yellow colour of the planet. Under the right conditions, some high-power binoculars could even begin to bring out faint traces of Saturn's rings or even its largest moon, Titan. Also Read | Explained | Scientists finally decipher enigmatic Y chromosome, feat to help study male infertility Through a telescope, however, Saturn's rings should be clearly apparent. The gas giant's rings are currently beginning to tilt more on-edge toward Earth and will continue to do so through 2025, according to NASA. That makes this weekend an optimal time to catch a glimpse of one of the best night sky targets available to most backyard skywatchers. The best way to find Saturn in the night sky The ringed planet is currently within the constellation of Aquarius, which is visible in the northern sky as seen from the northern hemisphere. It would be perfect to find a clear view of the southern horizon to spot Saturn easily. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Skywatchers alert! Saturn will make its brightest and biggest appearance this weekend. Here's how to watch it

Skywatchers witness a rare hybrid solar eclipse, which appears total or annular, depending upon where you are viewing it from. The celestial event gives scientists a chance to study the Sun's corona. NASA says hybrid eclipses will happen only four more times this century.

Rare 'hybrid' solar eclipse seen in Australia, a visual treat for skywatchers

<p>People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.</p>

<p>As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oxfordshire: Mystery cloud lit by worm moon thrills skywatchers <a href="https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv">https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv</a></p>
— David Papp (@DavidPapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidPapp/status/1633521939598942208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-why-is-it-called-worm-moon-and-the-period-of-manifesting-your-dreams-568999">EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams</a></p>

<p>Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky.</p>

<p>He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”.</p>

<p>"Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/starlings-create-murmuration-over-the-uk-sky-i-wion-shorts-568264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching.</p>

<p>She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.

People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view. As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday. The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users. Oxfordshire: Mystery cloud lit by worm moon thrills skywatchers https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv — David Papp (@DavidPapp) March 8, 2023 × Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky. He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”. "Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added. WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching. She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK: 'Eerily cool' cloud illuminated by worm moon leaves skywatchers thrilled

skywatchers

Skywatchers, News on Skywatchers, stories on Skywatchers, articles on Skywatchers, Skywatchers stories at Wion, Skywatchers news, Skywatchers latest news