October's full hunter's moon will also be the biggest supermoon of ...

Show Caption

Hide Caption

Top astronomy events for October 2024

From a pair of meteor showers to a glowing supermoon, here are the top astronomy events for October 2024.

Stargazers will be in for a rare treat tonight as they'll get a chance to not only catch a glimpse of the elusive Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) as it soars through the western sky just after sunset, they'll also be treated to a supermoon show afterward.

October's full moon, also referred to as the hunter's moon, will take center stage Thursday night as the third of four consecutive supermoons of 2024 - and it's expected to be the biggest.

A supermoon is how people refer to a full moon that has reached its closest approach to Earth. The term "supermoon" isn't a scientific one. During this time, the full moon will appear slightly larger and brighter than normal.

Here's when to catch the full supermoon in Florida.

What time can I see the Oct. 17 full moon/supermoon in Florida?

People around the globe will be able to see Thursday's full moon around 7:26 p.m. EDT, but here in Florida, around 8:48 p.m. will be the best time to grab your camera and snap some photos. That's when the moon will reach its closest point to Earth, according to Joe Rao of Space.com.

What happens during a supermoon?

It all starts with the moon's 27-day orbit around Earth. The moon has an elliptical orbit around our planet and there are two key phrases to know when determining whether a moon is a "supermoon."

Perigee is when the moon's orbit reaches its closest point to Earth (about 226,000 miles). The opposite of a perigee, when the moon is at its farthest point (about 251,000 miles), is called apogee.

Perigee and apogee occur once every orbit around the earth, but a supermoon only happens when the perigee coincides with a full moon.

The moon's orbit isn't a perfect path, so supermoons can appear larger or smaller at different times.

How long does a supermoon last?

Like any fleeting moment, the moon is at its fullest for only a brief second before it continues its orbital path.

In reality, a full moon can typically be seen for up to three days in some cases. So, if you miss tonight's supermoon, you'll have a chance at seeing a slightly smaller version of it Friday night.

How rare are supermoons?

Supermoons aren't rare but they are uncommon. In a typical year, supermoons happen about three or four times and they always happen consecutively, according to NASA.

There will be a total of four supermoons in 2024 and 2025.

Why do we call it a supermoon?

Astrologer Richard Nolle came up with the term back in 1979, according to NASA. He used it to describe a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth.

When is the next supermoon?

The next supermoon will coincide with November's full moon, which is called the Beaver Moon. You'll be able to check that one out on Nov. 15.

Can Florida see comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS tonight?

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be visible again in Florida Thursday night, and if you catch it at the right time, you should be able to see it without the need for a telescope or binoculars, though they’ll help you get the best look.

The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet was previously visible in the southern hemisphere, and now it’ll be visible in the northern hemisphere until Oct. 31. The best times to see it will be tonight through Oct. 24.

When will the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet be visible tonight in Florida?

The best time to see the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet will be just after sunset. NASA says that the comet’s tail will be well-illuminated by the remaining sunlight, so you won’t need any special equipment to spot it as it soars past Earth.

According to Astronomy Magazine, the comet will become visible 15 minutes past sunset on Wednesday, followed by 30 minutes past sunset the following four days before fading from our view.

In Florida, the sun will set around 6:14 p.m. CDT in the western Panhandle and roughly 6:52 p.m. EDT throughout the rest of Florida.