The Supermoon Blue Moon of August 2024 dazzled skywatchers across the globe, offering a breathtaking display of lunar magnificence. From iconic landmarks to serene natural settings, photographers captured the moon in all its glory, creating a collection of images that truly showcase the beauty of this celestial event. Here’s a look at some of the most stunning photos taken during the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024.
What is the Supermoon Blue Moon?
The Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 occurred on August 19th at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT), when the moon reached 100% illumination. A Supermoon happens when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This August full moon was also a seasonal Blue Moon, marking the third full moon in a season that has four full moons—a rare occurrence that adds even more intrigue to this lunar spectacle.
As we anticipate three more Supermoons in September, October, and November, let’s dive into the incredible images captured during the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024.
Iconic Shots of the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
- Photographer Tiziana Fabi captured the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 rising majestically over the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The moon’s brilliant glow complemented the architectural grandeur of one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Kastellet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- In a striking image, an airplane is silhouetted against the glowing Supermoon Blue Moon as it passes over Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress in Copenhagen. This photo perfectly blends modern transportation with the timeless beauty of the moon.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- The Supermoon Blue Moon rises behind the iconic cable car of Sugarloaf Mountain, captured by photographer Pablo Porciuncula. The image showcases the moon with a slight orange tint, adding a warm glow to the scenic Brazilian landscape.
Canary Wharf, London, U.K.
- Henry Nicholls captured a mesmerizing view of the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 rising above the bustling Canary Wharf business district. The moon’s ethereal light contrasts beautifully with the urban backdrop, highlighting London’s vibrant cityscape.
Huiju Temple, Anhui, China
- In Qingyang County, Anhui, China, the Supermoon Blue Moon rises over Huiju Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary perched on the slopes of Mount Jiuhua. The temple’s lights create a stunning contrast against the moonlit sky.
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
- Kevin McCarthy snapped a detailed shot of the Supermoon Blue Moon from Charlotte, North Carolina, just before clouds rolled in. His quick reflexes and a powerful telephoto lens captured the moon’s intricate details against the night sky.
U.S. Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
- J. David Ake photographed the Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 shining brightly above the spires of the U.S. Air Force Memorial. The composition of the moon and the memorial’s towering structures creates a powerful and patriotic image.
Longquan Mountain Observation Deck, Chengdu, China
- Photographer Yang Qitian captured a dramatic view of the Supermoon Blue Moon rising over the Longquan Mountain Observation Deck. The silhouettes of onlookers contrast sharply against the luminous moon, making for an unforgettable scene.
Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia
- At dawn, Robbie Pesiwarissa captured the Supermoon Blue Moon setting over Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House in the foreground. Despite a hazy sky, the image exudes a mesmerizing ambiance, perfectly encapsulating the quiet beauty of a waking city.
Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
- Ahmet Okatali’s photograph of the Supermoon Blue Moon rising behind the illuminated Suleymaniye Mosque is nothing short of breathtaking. The mosque’s glowing domes blend harmoniously with the moon’s deep orange hue, creating a scene of pure wonder.
Additional Stunning Photos Supermoon Blue Moon 2024
- Toronto, Canada: Mert Alper Dervis captured a tranquil scene of the Supermoon Blue Moon rising over Toronto’s skyline, with the moon’s yellow glow adding warmth to the urban night.
- Statue of Liberty, New York City, U.S.: Gary Hershorn photographed the moon as it appeared to be cradled by the Statue of Liberty, creating an iconic image that symbolizes freedom under a celestial sky.
- Cristo Rei, Lisbon, Portugal: Henrique Casin’s photo features the full moon shining brightly next to the illuminated Cristo Rei statue, creating a striking juxtaposition of light and shadow.
- Eindhoven, Netherlands: Nicolas Economou captured the Supermoon Blue Moon rising over Eindhoven, its faint red hue casting a dreamlike quality over the city.
- Central Italy: Astronomer Gianluca Masi livestreamed the Supermoon Blue Moon rising over Central Italy, offering viewers a stunning close-up of the fully illuminated lunar surface.
Conclusion
The Supermoon Blue Moon 2024 was an awe-inspiring event that brought skywatchers together from all corners of the globe. Whether captured behind historic landmarks or shining over modern cities, these images offer a glimpse into the magic of our closest celestial neighbor. If you missed this lunar spectacle, don’t worry—three more Supermoons are on the way, promising even more opportunities to witness the moon at its most majestic.
For those inspired to explore the moon further, check out our ultimate guide to observing the moon, along with our recommendations for the best telescopes, binoculars, and cameras to enhance your skywatching experience. Happy stargazing!
