Tonight, stargazers are in for a treat as they will have the opportunity to witness the brightest supermoon of the year, known as the ‘Super Hunter’s Moon’. Scheduled to make its appearance at 5.56 pm, this event is not one to be missed. During a supermoon, the moon shines up to 15% brighter and appears up to 30% larger than an average full moon. This phenomenon is a result of the moon reaching its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the ‘perigee’, as opposed to the ‘apogee’, its farthest point.
The Hunter’s Moon, the October full moon, holds the distinction of being the closest supermoon to Earth this year. Its name originates from ancient hunters who used the bright moonlight to aid them in their pursuits. Many full moons are traditionally named, with origins often traced back to Native American traditions where lunar cycles were essential for timekeeping.
Looking ahead to the viewing conditions for the night, Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly states, “Pretty much the whole of the UK has a good chance of clear skies this evening. The full hunter’s moon rises in the night sky on October 17, 2024 in Nantong, Jiangsu Province of China.” While Western Scotland may experience cloudier conditions, the rest of the UK should have patchy clouds that will not significantly hinder views of the supermoon. However, isolated fog patches may develop by midnight, with more extensive low clouds and fog forming during the early hours, potentially affecting visibility later in the night.
Excitement is building among astronomy enthusiasts as they prepare to witness this remarkable lunar event. The Super Hunter’s Moon promises to captivate viewers with its luminosity and close proximity to Earth, making it a spectacle worth observing. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to marvel at nature’s grandeur in the night sky.
This celestial display serves as a reminder of the wonders of the universe and offers a moment of awe and inspiration for those who take the time to gaze up at the sky. Tonight’s supermoon is a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the cosmos, inviting us to appreciate the natural world and the mysteries that lie beyond our planet’s atmosphere.