A supermoon seen in Colorado Springs, 2024
Parker Seibold/The Gazette via AP Photo/Alamy
In the upcoming months, skywatchers are in for a treat, with four consecutive supermoons on the horizon. Kicking off with October’s Hunter’s Moon, followed by the Beaver Moon in November, the Cold Moon in December, and wrapping up with January’s Wolf Moon. The distinguishing feature of a supermoon is its increased size and brightness compared to a typical full moon.
A supermoon is defined by its occurrence while the moon is at its closest approach to Earth during its elliptical orbit. This proximity allows it to appear as much as 8 percent larger and 15 percent brighter than usual – a captivating sight for stargazers around the globe.
The closest full moon will take place in November, though the difference in size compared to the other supermoons may not be discernible. The optimal moments to observe a supermoon are during its rise or set; when positioned near the horizon, it creates an optical illusion that makes it seem even larger alongside nearby objects.
The first of these supermoons will grace the night sky on 7 October. With clear skies, the moon should reveal its full radiance right after sunset, visible anywhere.
Should you miss it, don’t fret! The days following the full moon will present a fantastic opportunity to see the moon journey across a bustling section of the sky towards the Taurus constellation, with numerous celestial objects to spot along the way.
By 10 October, the moon will begin its waning phase, still illuminated over 75 percent and positioned near the Pleiades cluster, known as the Seven Sisters. This collection of young stars, located about 440 light years away, manifests itself as a square with a line extending from one corner, reminiscent of a miniature Plough or Big Dipper.
Come 14 October, the moon will dip to under 50 percent illumination, appearing as a waning crescent positioned alongside Jupiter. If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may catch a glimpse of some of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its largest natural satellites.
For those keen on exploring the moon in greater depth, try observing it through a telescope on 30 October during its first quarter phase. Certain nights present a chance to witness intriguing optical phenomena known as the lunar X and V, fascinating shapes formed on the moon’s surface.
Then, as we approach the beginning of November, it will be time to welcome the next supermoon.
These articles are published weekly
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