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Date Published: 30/07/2024

Get ready for the August Sturgeon Supermoon

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August promises a celestial treat in Spain with meteor showers, full moons and supermoons

Get ready for the August Sturgeon Supermoon

Image: Unsplash

Summer is the perfect time for stargazers in Spain to enjoy a variety of celestial spectacles. From meteor showers to full moons and supermoons, the warmer months provide plenty of opportunities to look up and marvel at the night sky.

Mark your calendars because the upcoming month will be packed with astronomical wonders.

This summer, the northern hemisphere will experience its longest season, lasting 93.7 days, with the summer solstice occurring on June 20 at 10.51pm in Spain. During this time, the Earth will be almost at its farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion, on July 5.

One of the highlights of the summer skywatching calendar is the August full moon, nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon. This year, on Monday August 19, the Sturgeon Moon will also be a Supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.

The Sturgeon Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, as this was the time when sturgeon fishing was most successful in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.

Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon, creating a stunning visual spectacle. On average, supermoons occur just 3 to 4 times a year.

In addition to the Sturgeon Moon, summer stargazers can also look forward to the Perseid meteor shower, peaking between August 12 and 13, with up to 150 meteors per hour. And if that's not enough, the κ-Cygnids meteor shower will also put on a show on August 17.

For those interested in planetary observations, Mercury will be at its greatest evening elongation on August 10, providing a rare opportunity to spot the elusive planet in the night sky.

Additionally, Saturn will be at its brightest and closest to Earth on August 27, making it a perfect time for telescope observations.

Another unique event not to be missed is the appearance of asteroid 8 Flora on August 26. This large asteroid in the main asteroid belt will be visible through binoculars or telescopes, offering a glimpse into the distant past of our solar system.

For anyone in Murcia who wants to witness any of these astronomical events, the best place is at the Frinca Astronómica just outside Cartagena, which has entertaining stargazing and Astronomy Tours for the public in English:

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The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages

Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.

Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.

At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.

The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.

By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.

To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.

As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.

The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.

What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.

This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.

But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.

This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.

Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.