CINCINNATI – October’s full moon marks the third in a series of four so-called “supermoons,” as the moon appears brighter and larger than usual.
This supermoon will peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will be the brightest of all full moons in 2024, according to NASA.
Astronomy enthusiasts in the Tri-State area have a special event that will help all those interested appreciate it better.
Cincinnati astronomer Dean Regas is hosting a public viewing party Wednesday night to help Cincinnatians get a closer look at the event.
The viewing party will be held at the Auld Park Pavilion at 5090 Observatory Circle and is completely free to attend. The program starts at 6 pm and lasts until 8 pm
Attendees will be able to explore different telescope designs, learn more about the Moon, and if the weather cooperates, share views of newly discovered comets.
For those who can’t attend a viewing party but still want to see the moon through a telescope, the Cincinnati Public Library can help. Through a partnership with Dean Regas and the Cincinnati Observatory, library cardholders can use 10 Orion Starblast 4.5-inch astronomical telescopes free of charge.
What is a “Super Moon”?
A supermoon is defined as a new or full moon that is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth.
The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is somewhat irregular and elliptical. Because of this, the distance between the Earth and the Moon varies. The Moon is at perigee, which means it is in a relatively close approach to the Earth.
On Wednesday night, the moon will be about 222,000 miles from Earth. When the moon is at its zenith, it is over 253,000 miles across.
NASA says that supermoons that occur during full moons appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year.
Since full moons occur once a month, each month’s moon is given its own special name. October’s Full Moon is considered the “Hunter’s Moon”.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon that follows the September “harvest moon” marks the time for winter hunting as the leaves fall.
Watch Live:
America Tonight
