We all love it, but how well do you know it? Read our guide for the full lunar low-down
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and the brightest natural object we can see in the night sky. Its appearance changes each night throughout the month, waxing and waning from new Moon to full Moon. Even its distance changes: sometimes it's close to Earth and other times further away. As our ancestors studied the sky, the Moon became central to different cultures in their religious and spiritual practices, and many gave names to each full Moon.
On 19 August, it's time to fall in love with our Moon again, because a seasonal blue Moon will be visible. And this won't be just a blue Moon, it will be a ‘true blue supermoon'! From the UK, the Moon will peek over the eastern horizon at 20:46 BST (19:46 UT), appearing slightly bigger and brighter than normal.
Being near its closest orbital point to Earth is what makes this full Moon ‘super', and being the third full Moon in an astronomical season of four is what makes it a ‘true blue' Moon. This full Moon also marks the first of four consecutive supermoons, the next appearing on 18 September, 17 October and 15 November.
Naturally you'll want to take a look at the Moon at this exciting time, so here are