Thu Oct 17 15:06:43 UTC 2024: ## Hunter’s Moon and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Offer Double Sky Show Tonight

Tonight, October 17th, skywatchers are in for a treat as two celestial wonders grace the night sky: the largest supermoon of 2024, the Hunter’s Moon, and the bright comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS).

The Hunter’s Moon, officially full at 7:26 a.m. EDT, will appear full throughout the night. Its proximity to Earth, reaching perigee on Wednesday, will make it appear roughly 14% larger than usual. The moon will rise in the east as the sun sets in the west.

Simultaneously, the photogenic comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will shine brightly in the western sky. The comet passed its closest point to Earth on October 12th and is rising higher in the sky despite dimming.

For those unable to view the spectacle in person, the Virtual Telescope Project will be livestreaming both the Hunter’s Moon and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

This celestial double-header provides a unique opportunity to witness both a supermoon and a comet gracing the sky, marking a memorable autumn night for stargazers.

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