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Calling out all Australian stargazers!!!
This month is going to be a celestial extravaganza! We've got not one, but two stunning full moons gracing the night sky in August, and to top it off, both of them are supermoons! 🌕 Can you feel the excitement building?
Now, mark your calendars: the first full moon will illuminate the heavens on August 2, and the second one will be dazzling us on August 31.
But hold on, there's more! Brace yourselves for a visual treat as the moon shows off its glamorous side during these full moon events. It will appear about 14 per cent bigger and an impressive 30 per cent brighter! And don't worry, it's not a magic trick; the moon won't actually change its size. The reason for its extra splendor is that it's simply a tad nearer to us. But hey, we're not complaining! It's like Mother Nature's way of treating us to a spectacular lunar show.
Now, get ready for the grand finale because the supermoon on August 31 is expected to steal the show as the biggest moon of the entire year. Yep, that's right; it's going to be a lunar rockstar! So, make sure you have your binoculars, telescopes, and cameras all ready to go ready to capture this rare spectacle.
On August 31st we will have what it's called a Blue Moon... But anyone hoping for a blue-hued moon will be disappointed. The term “blue moon” refers to the rare occurrence when two full moons appear during the same month, not the moon’s colour.
The blue moon will peak about 11.36am AEST on August 31, if you are in Perth this will be 9:36 am Perth time.
But here's a friendly reminder: after August, you'll have to wait until late September for the next supermoon event. Sad, I know, but good things are worth the wait, right?
Now, here's the best part. Most of our capital cities will be blessed with clear evenings, providing the perfect opportunity to venture outside and witness the full moon's breathtaking beauty. Whether you're an experienced stargazer or a newbie to the wonders of the cosmos, this is a night you won't want to miss.
So, there you have it, folks. Two supermoons in one month, gracing our skies with their mesmerizing presence. Grab your loved ones, prepare some snacks, and find a cozy spot to witness this celestial spectacle. It's going to be a night to remember! Enjoy the lunar extravaganza, and let the moonlight guide your way!
The remaining full moons for 2023 include:
The predicted peak dates for meteor showers, according to EarthSky, include:
If you're a beginner eager to capture the beauty of the moon through your lens, fret not, for we've got some handy tips for you!
A selection of bits and bobs that can assist your AstroPhotography:
- BeaverLAB Astronomical Telescope
Why do you need it: First of all, it is highly easy to use. Even if you never seen a Telescope before. This Telescope has a 500mm focal lenght and 6.1 or aperture, equipped to capture high-quality images, it has WiFi/Bluetooth capabilities that using the app you can pair with your smart phone and capture images of the moon like a blink of the eye. Here is some photos that Kym Peacock took using it:
- Manfrotto Aluminum Tripod with 3-way Pan/Tilt Head (MK190XPRO3-3W)
Why do you need it: A tripod is essential to astrophotography, moon photography, because it provides stability, preventing camera shake and allowing for long exposure shots of celestial objects with crisp, clear results. This tripod has a load capacity of 13.2 lb, extends up to 68.1inch , and folds down to 28.4inch for transport.
- Nisi Star Soft Astrophotography Filter
Why would you need it: The NiSi Star Soft Astrophotography Filter is a filter for astrophotography designed to make stars appear bigger and to make constellations stand out. The brighter the star the bigger it will appear. Make the constellations and stars sparkle in your night sky images. It kind of clears out the noise, and sharpens up the highlights. You can see the difference straight from the back of your camera.
- NiSi 9mm f/2.8 Sunstar Super Wide Angle
Why would you need it? Some people, like me, are completely in love when the source of light captured into the image becomes a little star looking thing. Such thing, using a regular lens, you can achieve it by using high, bigger, apertures. With this lens, the source of light becomes a little star even wide open. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to get into wide-angle photography. With a 113° field of view and 14 elements in 12 groups, this lens provides precise optics and minimal distortion, making it a great choice for landscape and architectural photography. The aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16 also makes it a great option for astrophotography, as it is resistant to flares and has a low coma.
- Hahnel Remote Shutter Release HRC 280 Pro
Why would you need this? If we are working with really slow shutter speeds, we need to make sure our camera is as steady as possible and it won't move, not even when you press the shutter button. The best way to make sure you won't introduce any motion blur to the image is firing your shutter remotely. Some cameras have a in-built timer, where you can press and wait 5 seconds or whatever it might be until the camera starts recording the image. Alternatively you can get a remote shutter release.
Those are very simple tips, for those who are literally trying it for the first time. We hope that helps!!! We can't wait to see the images of the full moon you guys will take.
