Supermoon to merge with the brightest comet in 13 years: Earth's inhabitants will see a unique spectacle

Inna Vasilyuk News16.10.2024 17:19

The Moon and the comet will go on a date. Source: Getty

Astronomers emphasize that the world's inhabitants have a chance to see a unique spectacle - two bright events will converge in one celestial show. The Hunter's Supermoon, which will be visible in full glory on October 17, will meet the brightest comet in 13 years, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

Although comet C/2023 A3 has already passed its peak of brightness, it can still be seen with the naked eye from the Northern Hemisphere. But the Hunter's Moon is just entering its brightest stage, so everyone will be able to enjoy this full moon beauty at least until the end of the week, AP writes.

Supermoon to merge with the brightest comet in 13 years: Earth's inhabitants will see a unique spectacle

NASA scientist Bill Cooke has admitted that most astronomers dislike the full moon because its bright light interferes with observing other objects in the sky. This time, however, scientists are looking forward to the convergence of two grand astronomical events. "The moonlight will wash out part of the comet's tail, but it's still worth looking at after sunset," Cooke said.

Where and how to see the comet

According to astronomers, since October 11, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been visible to the naked eye from the Northern Hemisphere. Thousands of observers around the world, including those from Ukraine, as OBOZ.UA wrote about, have already seen and even photographed this tailed beauty.

Although C/2023 A3 is now losing its brightness, it can still be seen until October 20, StarWalk 2 reports. The comet is visible to the naked eye in the evening about an hour after sunset. Experts advise focusing on the antitail, a bright streak that seems to be pointing toward the Sun.

From October 20 until early December, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible in the evening sky only with binoculars and a telescope.

According to astronomers, over the next 20 years, comet C/2023 A3 will move to the edge of the solar system and will not return for another 26,000 years.

Why the Hunter's Moon will be special

Scientists call the October Hunter's Moon, which is the third supermoon of 2024, special. According to AstroPixels, it will be at a distance of approximately 357,364 kilometers from Earth – the closest of all the full moons this year.

This makes this year's Hunter's Moon more than just a supermoon. According to the Adler Planetarium, the October full moon will appear about 30% brighter and almost 15% larger than a normal full moon.

On Thursday, the Hunter's Moon will reach its full phase and will be larger than the two previous supermoons, which passed at a greater distance from Earth.

According to NASA, the best time to observe the Hunter's Moon is when it appears on the eastern horizon just after the Sun has set in the west. To get the best visibility, astronomers advise looking just above the horizon. And you will be able to watch this miracle for several days.