Tonight, stargazers can look forward to a spectacular astronomical event as Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) becomes visible in the western sky just after sunset, followed by the appearance of a supermoon.
October’s full moon, known as the hunter’s moon, will peak on Thursday night as the third in a series of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, and it promises to be the largest of the bunch.
The term “supermoon” describes a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth. While not a technical term, it highlights the moon’s slightly increased size and brightness during this time.
In Florida, the best moment to observe the full supermoon will be at approximately 8:48 p.m. EDT, when it reaches its closest proximity to Earth. This timing is based on guidance from Joe Rao of Space.com, with the full moon being visible globally around 7:26 p.m. EDT.
Understanding supermoons involves the moon’s 27-day orbit around Earth, which is elliptical in shape. The two important terms to be aware of are perigee, the point when the moon is closest to Earth (about 226,000 miles away), and apogee, the farthest point (approximately 251,000 miles). A supermoon occurs specifically when a full moon coincides with the perigee.
The full moon is only its fullest for a moment, but it can be visible for up to three days. If you miss the supermoon tonight, there is still a chance to see a slightly smaller version on Friday night.
While supermoons are not extremely rare, they do not happen frequently, usually occurring about three or four times in a normal year. In both 2024 and 2025, there will be four supermoons.
The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 to describe a new or full moon when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth.
The next opportunity to see a supermoon will be on November 15, coinciding with November’s full moon, known as the Beaver Moon.
As for the comet, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will again be visible in Florida tonight, and it can be spotted without a telescope, although using one would provide a better view. The comet, previously seen in the southern hemisphere, will be visible in the northern hemisphere until October 31. Ideal viewing times are from tonight through October 24.
To catch sight of the comet in Florida, aim to look just after sunset. NASA indicates that the comet’s tail will be illuminated by sunset, making it easier to see. According to Astronomy Magazine, the comet will first become visible 15 minutes after sunset on Wednesday, and subsequently 30 minutes past sunset for the next four days before it starts to fade.
In Florida, sunset will occur around 6:14 p.m. CDT in the western Panhandle and approximately 6:52 p.m. EDT across the rest of the state.