What's happened
The Hunter's Moon, the third supermoon of 2024, peaks on October 17, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This celestial event coincides with comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, although moonlight may obscure its visibility. Stargazers across the UK and beyond can enjoy clear skies for optimal viewing.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Hunter's Moon will be the brightest supermoon of the year, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. The article notes that this full moon is named for the hunting season, a time when animals are preparing for winter. BBC News highlights that the moon will rise around 18:00 BST, with clear skies expected across much of the UK, although western Scotland may experience some cloud cover. Meanwhile, Axios emphasizes the significance of this supermoon occurring alongside comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, which may be partially obscured by the moonlight. The Independent also mentions that this supermoon is the closest of the year, at 222,055 miles from Earth, making it a unique viewing opportunity.
How we got here
Supermoons occur when the moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth. The Hunter's Moon, named for the hunting season, is the third of four supermoons in 2024, following the Blue Moon in August and the Harvest Moon in September.
Common question
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What is a supermoon and why is October's special?
October's supermoon is a celestial event that captivates both astronomers and casual stargazers alike. This month, the supermoon is particularly special as it reaches its closest point to Earth, making it brighter and more visible than usual. But what exactly is a supermoon, and how can you make the most of this astronomical phenomenon? Below, we answer some common questions about this exciting event.
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What is a Supermoon and How Does it Affect Stargazing?
Supermoons are fascinating celestial events that capture the attention of both amateur and seasoned astronomers. With the third supermoon of 2024 occurring tonight, many are eager to learn more about what makes these moons special and how they can best observe them. This page answers common questions about supermoons, comets, and the myths surrounding these astronomical phenomena.
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What is the Hunter's Moon and why is it special?
The Hunter's Moon is a captivating celestial event that draws the attention of stargazers around the world. As the third supermoon of 2024, it promises to be the largest and brightest full moon of the year. But what makes this moon so special, and how can you best experience it? Read on to discover more about this astronomical phenomenon and related events.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
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A supermoon is a full moon or a new moon that nearly coincides with perigee—the closest that the Moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit—resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size of the lunar disk as viewed from Earth.
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