Biggest and brightest moon of 2024 to mild up night time sky this week

If you missed the Northern Lights display over the UK last week, don’t worry. The next celestial spectacle is only days away.

This week, stargazers will be treated to an incredible lunar phenomenon that’ll dazzle in the night sky. On Thursday (October 17), Brits can look forward to this month’s Hunter’s Moon, which will also be a supermoon and the brightest of 2024.

This supermoon will be the third this year, with the fourth and final one scheduled for November. The first two took place in August and September, according to the Express.

Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, making them appear larger and brighter than the average moon. NASA has stated that this week’s Super Hunter’s Moon will be “the brightest by a tiny margin”.

The space agency also said: “The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Tuesday evening through Friday morning.” To fully appreciate the stunning views of this supermoon, stargazers should find spots with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

Traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon since 1710, October’s full moon marked when farmers and hunters would gather as much food as possible before winter arrived. Fields were cleared, and animals emerged, making hunting easier.

Some Native American tribes referred to October’s full moon as the Blood Moon, Travel Moon, or Dying Grass Moon, each marking a significant shift in the year. The Maine Farmer’s Almanac introduced Native American names for the full Moons in the 1930, and since then, these names have gained popularity and are commonly recognised.

Why is October’s full moon known as a supermoon?

According to NASA, the moon’s elliptical orbit means it can swing between 226,000 miles and 251,000 miles from Earth throughout the month. When the full moon looms closer, we witness what’s known as a supermoon – it happens three to four times a year due to its orbit syncing up with the monthly full moon cycle.

Who coined the term “supermoon”?

Astrologer Richard Nolle gets the credit, dreaming it up in 1979 for those moments when the moon sits within 90% of its closest approach to our planet. This is when our lunar neighbour seems largest and dazzles brightest in the sky.

The farthest point in this ellipse is called the apogee and is about 253,000 miles (405,500 kilometers) from Earth on average. Its closest point is the perigee, which is an average distance of about 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) from Earth.

Best tips to see the supermoon:

Thinking of marvelling at this celestial showstopper? Follow these expert hacks:

• Scour the scene for the perfect dark spot with a clear view eastward, where the moon makes its grand entrance.
• Timing is everything; catch the supermoon just as it seems to balloon on the horizon.
• Get a closer look by gearing up with binoculars or a telescope to spot those lunar details invisible to the naked eye.
• Can’t see it outside? Look online for an observatory live stream or a YouTube feed can bring the supermoon magic straight to your screen.