Amazing pictures capture the beauty of Melbourne’s supermoon

Melburnians were treated to a beautiful glow in the sky on Wednesday morning, thanks to an eye-catching supermoon.

A super moon lit up Melbourne on Wednesday. Picture: David Crosling

Stargazers were treated to a spectacle on Wednesday morning when the first of two supermoons lit up the sky, sending a glow across Melbourne’s night scene.

Astonishing pictures have captured the very bright supermoon glimmering above the cityscape.

While to the naked eye it looked it’s usual size, one photo of the moon positioned close to the Flinders Street station clock tower shows how big it can appear when it’s 363,500 kilometres away from earth.

It’s vibrancy was so powerful, you could see some of its defined features in close-up images.

The moon appeared more yellow than usual, with some of its unique markings and crests also visible.

Also known as the “sturgeon moon”, the morning’s supermoon kicked off a big month for astronomy lovers, which will end with a rare “blue supermoon”.

The supermoon above the Melbourne cityscape on Wednesday. Picture: David Crosling

When to expect the next supermoon?

Those who missed Wednesday morning’s supermoon only have to wait another four weeks to catch a second glimpse of the spectacle.

On August 31, Melburnians will be treated to a second supermoon this month, also referred to as a “blue moon”.

These occurrences are rare, and take place about once every three years on average, according to NASA. It’s because of this the saying “once in a blue moon” originated.

The space agency predicts the next blue moon to occur in May 2026.

Meanwhile, supermoons are more common and occur between three to four times a year.

“There are a few every year – and also why they tend to cluster,” Astrophysicist Clare Kenyon told the Herald Sun.

“For example, this year, there are four: one in July, two in August and one in September.”

The next supermoon after the bluemoon is expected to occur on September 29, which will be called the Harvest moon.

The supermoon above the Flinders Street train station clock tower. Picture: David Crosling

What is a sturgeon moon?

The term sturgeon moon is a nickname for Wednesday’s supermoon.

It was given that titles as it rose at the time of the year when the sturgeon fish was once in abundance in the Great Lakes of North America, according to annually produced US publication Farmers’ Almanac.

The nickname itself isn’t scientific, and is more so used in the northern hemisphere. Other nicknames include the corn moon, flying up moon, harvest moon, ricing moon and mountain shadows moon.

Dr Kenyon said the moon’s elliptical orbit plays a role in when a supermoon occurs.

“There are times when the Moon is closer to Earth in its elliptical orbit and other times where it is further away. When it is closer, it’s called the ‘perigee’,” she said.

The science communicator and teaching specialist at the University of Melbourne added when the moon is full and at its closest point to earth, it’s called a supermoon.

Such moons are usually a distance of 363,500 kilometres away from Earth, Dr Kenyon said, and are “typically a bit brighter and appear ‘bigger’ in the sky at this time, although it’s quite often really hard for observers to actually see and notice”.

Alternatively, when the moon is at its furthest point from the Earth at 406,750 kilometres away – also known as Apogee – the moon appears “less bright” and takes up less space in the sky which is also difficult to notice for viewers.

The supermoon glimmered over the Melbourne CBD. Picture: David Crosling

The best time to see it

Dr Kenyon said most viewers will find it difficult to notice the size difference between a normal full moon and a supermoon, however those taking photos may be able to see it when comparing the two.

“If you want to get out and do some lunar observing, find somewhere darkish – although the Moon is pretty bright, so it’s a great target even for those who live in suburban or city areas,” she said.

“Find a spot to lie down or even just lie back with your neck supported – blankets, a soft surface and a beanie and hot drink are always my suggestions!

“Look for the moon when it is close to the horizon – there’s a fun illusion here, where the moon will likely look much bigger and more magnificent (and often more yellow, too) which could make the experience that much more awesome.”

Dr Kenyon added NASA has moon maps available to show points of interest of the moon’s surface, which may be observed if looking at it with binoculars.

Supermoon at skipping girl vinegar sign in Richmond in 2021. Picture: Josie Hayden

Other Astronomical events coming up

Aside from supermoons, there are a number of other astronomical events set to please stargazers this year.

Between August 11 and 14, a perseid meteor shower will pass Earth and can display up to one hundred shooting stars in an hour. It’s understood the peak will occur at about 5am on August 14.

Another meteor shower, known as the Orionids meteor shower, will come about on October 22. While there are less meteors compared to the perseid meteor shower, they are typically fast and bright.

Meanwhile, on December 13 and 14, a Geminids meteor shower will bring a glow to the night sky, with up to 150 meteors passing by each hour at its peak.