First of 4 supermoons expected Monday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Keep an eye to the sky as the moon is set to appear bigger and brighter through November.

The first of four supermoons will rise over the Portland sky Monday, August 19, 2024 at 8:34 p.m. in the southeastern sky. The sturgeon moon, a super blue moon has many names but will look about 14% brighter and slightly larger. A sturgeon moon is a full moon that occurs in the month of August. This month, the moon is also called a super blue moon because it is both a supermoon and a blue moon. It won't appear blue, but is the definition of the third full moon in a season, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

August's moon is the first of four supermoons seen over the night sky this year. According to NASA, "A 'supermoon' occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee." The closer encounter helps make the moon slightly bigger and brighter. The closest orbital approach is nearly tied with the full moons seen in September and October this year.

Share your moon photos with the KOIN 6 Weather Team here.