By Elizabeth Barhydt
On October 17, skywatchers were treated to the brilliance of the Hunter’s Moon, the largest and brightest supermoon of the year. Rising around sunset, this lunar event, also called a “supermoon,” brought the moon to its closest point to Earth for 2024, about 357,364 kilometers (222,058 miles) away, offering an exceptional sight for stargazers.
The Hunter’s Moon, traditionally named for signaling hunters to prepare for the winter months, follows September’s Harvest Moon.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, alternative October moon names are most often related to natural signs of the season or to activities that were done at this time of year. Some popular favorites include:
Drying Rice Moon, a Dakota name, describes part of the post-harvest process of preparing rice for winter.
Falling Leaves Moon is an Anishinaabe term highlighting the transition between summer and fall.
Freezing Moon (Ojibwe) and Ice Moon (Haida) refer to the increasingly cold temperatures of this period.
Migrating Moon (Cree) refers to when birds begin to fly south to warmer climates.
Visible for several nights, this supermoon coincides with ideal weather conditions, giving residents ample opportunity to enjoy the spectacle. According to NASA, supermoons appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter than average full moons. Although the size difference can be difficult to detect without direct comparison, the timing and seasonal context enhanced the moon’s visual impact.
Supermoons not only provide visual splendor but also have subtle effects on tides. Coastal areas of Connecticut experienced higher-than-usual tides, a common occurrence during supermoons due to the gravitational pull exerted by the moon at its closest distance from Earth (NASA).
October’s supermoon was the third in a series of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. For those who missed the event, the next and final supermoon of the year—known as the Beaver Moon—will peak on November 15, offering another chance to catch the lunar display.
While the supermoon fades, Connecticut’s night sky has much more to offer in the days ahead. From bright planets to an anticipated comet, the celestial calendar remains packed.
Saturn and Jupiter Hold Court
Saturn continues to be a highlight in the early evening sky, with its rings tilted just five degrees toward Earth. Observers with telescopes can spot some of Saturn’s moons, including Titan, which makes another close pass on October 23rd. Saturn will remain visible for several more hours before Jupiter, the largest planet, rises around 10 p.m. Jupiter shines brightly and will climb higher into the sky each evening as winter constellations like Orion start to make their presence known.
Mars and the Moon in Gemini
Mars is slowly becoming more prominent as it rises earlier in the night. On October 23rd, the red planet will join the Moon in a striking display within the constellation Gemini. Though Mars still lags behind brighter planets like Jupiter and Venus, this alignment offers a unique opportunity for those with telescopes to observe the planet’s distinct surface features.
Venus and Mercury:
A Brief Evening Appearance
Venus remains low on the western horizon, continuing to shine brightly just after sunset. It made its closest approach to the Moon on October 5th, but it’s still visible—albeit low—throughout the month. Mercury will reach its greatest separation from the Sun on October 24th, although it will remain a difficult object to spot due to its proximity to the horizon.
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS on the Move
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS enters the evening sky after a brief appearance in the morning earlier this month. By October 18th, the comet will be visible shortly after sunset, gaining altitude throughout the month. Although it may dim slightly as it rises, it still offers a rewarding view for those with binoculars or a small telescope.
Orionid Meteor Shower
Faces Moonlight Obstruction
The Orionid meteor shower peaks on the night of October 20th-21st, but the waning gibbous Moon will make it challenging to spot many meteors. This shower, known for producing swift streaks of light from debris left by Halley’s Comet, will be most active in the pre-dawn hours. Despite the Moon’s interference, patient observers may still catch a few bright meteors streaking across the sky.
Space Stations Visible in the
Morning Sky
Both the International Space Station (ISS) and China’s Tiangong space station will make morning flyovers starting October 15th. Connecticut residents can use tracking tools on heavens-above.com to determine when these overflights will be visible. The ISS, in particular, will reflect sunlight, making it a bright and fast-moving object across the morning sky.
The Perfect Newsletter for Astronomy Enthusiasts: SkyWAAtch by
Westchester Amateur Astronomers
For those passionate about the night sky, the SkyWAAtch newsletter from the Westchester Amateur Astronomers (WAA) offers a deep dive into everything celestial. This monthly publication, available online, combines scientific insights with practical stargazing advice, making it an essential read for both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
What makes SkyWAAtch particularly appealing is its mix of professional-level information with approachable guidance. Articles often include tips for using telescopes and astrophotography equipment, star maps tailored for the month, and profiles of both members and noteworthy celestial objects. It also regularly features updates on the International Space Station’s visibility, helping readers plan their viewing sessions.
Beyond observational astronomy, the newsletter includes fascinating insights into astronomical history and current research.
Anyone looking to explore the cosmos will find WAA’s newsletter both informative and inspiring. For access to the latest edition and an archive of past issues, visit https://westchesterastronomers.org/newsletters/.
