What an exciting time for stargazers! October is filled with celestial wonders: two moons circling Earth, the comet of the century , and now, the final and biggest supermoon of the year is upon us!
What is a supermoon?
The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979, and it’s used to describe what astronomers would call a perigean (pear-ih-jee-un) full moon, according to NASA.
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth, at the same time the moon is full. This event makes it appear up to 8% larger and 16% brighter than an average full moon, as reported by EarthSky.
On average, the moon sits about 238,855 miles from Earth. But tonight’s supermoon will be just 222,095 miles away, making it the closest full moon of 2024. That should be a breathtaking view!
This full moon will grace the skies for three days, from Tuesday evening to Friday morning.
Why is it called a hunter’s moon?
Historically, the hunter’s moon signified the start of hunting season, urging people to prepare for winter. While some associate its name with the orange hue seen as it rises, this coloration is common to many full moons.
Astrologers also say the time surrounding the Hunter’s Moon is perfect for setting intentions, manifesting your dreams, or using physical action to harness your energy. Maybe tonight’s the night to put on those dancing shoes, and hit the dancefloor!
Will there be another supermoon in 2024?
This hunter’s moon is the last supermoon of the year, so make sure you don’t miss it! However, with a little luck, you can still spot the “comet of the century” for a couple of weeks. And there’s more to look forward to!
On October 20, 2024, Jupiter will sparkle brightly alongside the moon in the eastern sky around 10 PM. And just a few days later, Mars will be visible near the moon on October 23-24, 2024, appearing as a red dot in the early morning hours.
Lastly – another full moon awaits us just a month from now, on December 15, 2024.