Stargazers were in for a rare treat as a ‘supermoon’ lit up Bahrain’s skies last night.
Those who missed the spectacle will still have a chance as the celestial phenomenon is expected to continue tonight.
A ‘supermoon’ is a full moon that occurs close to the moon’s perigee – the point in space when it’s closest to the Earth during its monthly orbit – making it appear larger and brighter ... and a lot easier to spot from any unobstructed area.
“The ‘supermoon’ can be observed from any spot; just make sure there aren’t any buildings blocking the east side,” said Myriam Alqassab, managing director of Bahrain Stargazers and the national outreach co-ordinator for the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Apparently, the full moon always rises in the east at dusk and sets in the west the following morning.
Ms Alqassab added that the full moon that occurs in August is called the ‘Sturgeon Moon’ and has been given the name based on North American fishing tribes.
The sturgeon, which is a pre-historic looking fish, is usually caught during this part of summer and is now one of the most critically endangered species. Legend has it that, during August’s full moon, one can still catch a glimpse of a sturgeon fish in America’s lakes.
“However, in each culture, the full moon has a name,” Ms Alqassab said.
In the UK, it’s known as the Grain Moon, Red Moon and Green Corn Moon.
“In the Arabic/Islamic culture, this full moon is called ‘Bader of Muharram’,” she added.
“The reason the Sturgeon Moon is so popular is because it’s the last ‘Supermoon’ of the year, reaching its complete phase tonight. It did last night too.”
According to Ms Alqassab, the supermoon will rise tonight at 6.59pm. Last night it hit the skies at 6.13pm.
“For the best view, head to Salman City, Nurana Island or even Durrat Al Bahrain,” she said.
This Sturgeon Moon is considered to be the fourth ‘Supermoon’ in a row after the Buck Moon in July, Strawberry Moon in June and Flower Moon in May.
Aside from it being the last full moon this year, Ms Alqassab said it will also affect another popular astronomical event, which is the Perseids meteor shower.
The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle. The meteors are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear to hail lies in the constellation Perseus.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has dubbed it the best meteor shower of the year.
“The Perseids peak is during the early hours of Saturday, but the moon will wash away most of the showers,” she explained.
“To observe the big fireballs, you will need to go to a place that is very dark and far away from all the light pollution.”
The Sturgeon Moon was captured by Bahrain-based astrophotographer Premjith Narayanan from the top of his office building in Hidd industrial area.
He said that during the moonrise, the atmosphere was hazy especially at the horizon and that nothing was visible.
He had to wait more than 20 minutes after the moonrise to get a clear shot.
mai@gdnmedia.bh
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