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Hunter’s Supermoon will appear tonight – here’s what to see
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Hunter’s Supermoon will appear tonight – here’s what to see

Topline

The moon is expected to be near its closest point to Earth tonight, which experts say will result in this year’s largest supermoon, an unofficial astronomical phenomenon that occurs up to four times a year.

Key facts

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon reaching its closest distance (a point, known as perigee, that is about 220,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) away) from Earth in its 27-day orbit, although NASA does not consider this as recognizes an official astronomical term. .

The next full moon is expected to reach perigee on Thursday evening, about 220,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) from Earth, but according to projections by Fred Espenak, a former NASA astrophysicist, it will likely become a supermoon as soon as Wednesday.

There have been two more supermoons this year, on August 19 and September 18, and another is predicted for November 15. However, the moon has not been and is not expected to be as close to Earth as it is this week.

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When can I see the Supermoon?

According to NOAA, the moon will rise on Wednesday starting at 5:46 PM EDT and become full around 11:35 PM. Espenak predicts that the supermoon will become full and reach its closest point to Earth on Thursday at 11:26 PM EDT.

How can I see the Supermoon?

According to NASA, the supermoon will be visible all over the Earth regardless of light pollution, although it is better to be in areas without clouds. Most of Central America is expected to have clear skies Wednesday evening, although some areas in some states — including Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Nevada — will likely be cloudy, according to the National Weather Service. The same clouds are expected to move east Thursday evening, with Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota forecast with cloudier skies.

Surprising fact

The full moon in October is also called the “hunter’s moon” because it marks the start of hunting season, which is a signal for hunters to prepare for colder conditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The “Hunter Moon” follows the “Harvest Moon,” a moon phase that indicates the best time for harvesters to harvest their crops.

Read more

ForbesJust when you can see the ‘Super Hunter’s Moon’ at its best this week