Perseids Meteor Shower on 12 – 13 August and Sturgeon Supermoon on 20 August

In August 2024, the night sky is going to be amazing! We have two big events: the Perseids meteor shower and the Sturgeon Supermoon. Check out BusyKidd’s Guide for meteor shower and supermoon this August in Singapore.

The supermoon is our moon looking extra big and bright, and it’s always a showstopper. It’s been capturing people’s imaginations for ages, from ancient myths to modern-day marvels. And here’s the best part: Singapore will have a front-row seat to this celestial show! The Sturgeon Supermoon and the Perseids meteor shower will light up the night sky. It’s like the universe is treating us to a special light show.

So, what’s a meteor shower? It’s when lots of meteors seem to come from one spot in the sky. These meteors are tiny bits of space rock burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, creating those cool streaks of light. Grab the family, find a cozy spot, and enjoy this cosmic spectacle right here in Singapore!

Perseids Meteor Shower on 12–13 August in Singapore

The Perseids meteor shower is one of the most exciting sky events of the year! Known for its bright, fast-moving meteors that light up the night, it happens every year from mid-July to late August, with the peak usually around mid-August. Whether you’re a starry-eyed enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good sky show, the Perseids are a must-see!

Pronounced “pur-see-ids,” this meteor shower is like the rockstar of meteor showers. The meteors seem to come from the constellation Perseus, which is why they’re named after it. This year, the big night is on August 12-13, when the meteors will be at their peak. What makes this show so special? Earth is passing through debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, and as these particles burn up in our atmosphere, they create a spectacular light display.

You can expect to see 50-100 meteors per hour during the peak—it’s like a celestial fireworks show! While the Perseids are always amazing, there’s talk of a potential meteor storm in 2028 that could bring even more meteors. In Singapore, light pollution and clouds can make viewing a bit tricky, but heading to darker spots like parks or beaches will give you the best chance to see the show.

You don’t need any special equipment. Just find a good spot, like a park or beach, look up, and enjoy the cosmic magic!

Another Meteor Shower in 2024

If you miss the Perseids, don’t worry! December 2024 brings another fantastic celestial event: the Geminids meteor shower. This spectacular shower, named after the Gemini constellation, is known for its stunning display. Stay tuned for more details on this dazzling show, and get ready for another chance to enjoy a spectacular night sky!

Supermoons in Singapore 2024

So, what makes a moon super? The Moon travels around Earth in an oval-shaped path called an ellipse. This means sometimes it’s closer to Earth and sometimes it’s farther away. The farthest point is called the apogee (about 405,500 kilometers away), and the closest point is the perigee (about 363,300 kilometers away).

A supermoon happens when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, the perigee. This makes it look a bit larger and brighter than usual.

On August 20, we’ll have the Sturgeon Moon, this year’s blue moon. Named by Native Americans, the Sturgeon Moon marks the time when sturgeon fish were abundant in the Great Lakes and other major waters.

For the best view of this supermoon, catch it near moonrise or moonset when it’s close to the horizon. Clear skies will give you the best experience, so keep an eye on the weather. You can enjoy the supermoon from anywhere in Singapore, but why not make it extra special? Head to a beach, take a walk through East Coast Park, or have a night picnic at Marina Barrage. It’s a fun, free activity that the whole family, especially the kids, will love!

Here are the upcoming supermoons to look out for in 2024:

Harvest Moon on September 18
Hunter’s Moon on October 17
Beaver Moon on November 15

According to the Science Centre Observatory, these events are perfect opportunities to enjoy some night sky magic!

Activities to Do with Kids

Get your kids excited about the meteor showers and supermoons with these fun and simple activities:

Create moon-themed rice cakes with toppings to look like the moon’s surface. It’s a tasty way to celebrate!
While you wait for the moon, have the kids make shiny moon art with foil. It’s an easy and creative activity.
Find some fun books about the moon to read together. It’s a cozy way to learn about space.
Tell your kids cool facts about the moon. It’s a fun way to make stargazing more exciting.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival coming, try different mooncakes with your family. It’s a sweet way to enjoy the night sky.

These activities will make watching the night sky extra fun for everyone!

Images Credit: Eric Chang via Facebook