As the night sky beckons, millions will gaze upward to witness a breathtaking astronomical event: the Hunter’s moon. This full moon, occurring in October, not only signifies the onset of hunting season but also coincides with a supermoon, making it an exceptional sight. Astronomers remind us that this occurrence is a rare opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our celestial neighbor, especially when it appears larger and brighter than usual.
On Thursday morning, Angelenos will be among the first to experience this double delight. The Hunter’s moon officially reaches its peak at 4:26 a.m. PDT. It's a unique moment when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, which can make it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than typical full moons. This phenomenon occurs when the moon aligns perfectly with our planet, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
As we prepare to witness this stunning event, it's essential to remember that celestial observations can be challenging due to light pollution. However, as Vanessa Alarcon, an astronomical observer at the Griffith Observatory, suggests, taking the time to watch each full moon can enhance our appreciation of these cosmic changes. So grab your binoculars or telescopes, and get ready to enjoy not just the Hunter’s moon, but also the visibility of Saturn and an ancient Oort cloud comet!
- Of four consecutive supermoons, this one is the largest.
- Saturn and an Oort cloud comet will also be visible to the naked eye.
In the wee hours of Thursday morning, Angelenos will get their first peek at a double whammy astronomical delight — a Hunter’s moon that also happens to be a supermoon.
The full moon in October is known as the Hunter’s moon because it takes place around the start of hunting season and traditionally offered a key opportunity to spot prey lurking in recently harvested fields, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest possible point to Earth, which causes it to appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA.
For the record:
10:41 a.m. Oct. 17, 2024
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