By Brian Campued
Skywatchers were treated to two stunning celestial events on Thursday night as the passage of the Tsuchinshan–ATLAS comet coincided with the largest and brightest super moon of the year.
Based on the astronomical diary of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the third super moon of 2024 was estimated to come to its full view at 7:26 p.m.
PAGASA said a super moon happens when the full moon coincides with the perigee, or its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it “appear 7% bigger and 15% brighter than the regular full moon.”
Meanwhile, the Tsuchinshan–ATLAS or Comet C/2023 A3 is visible toward the western sky after sunset as it passes through the Earth this week.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said this month’s full moon and the deer hunting season occurs at the same time—hence, getting its name as the hunter’s moon.
“As the full moon after the harvest moon, this will be the hunter’s moon,” NASA’s Gordon Johnston said.
“According to the Farmer’s Almanac, with the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the harvesters have reaped the fields, hunters can easily see the animals that have come out to glean (and the foxes that have come out to prey upon them),” he added.
The fourth and final super moon of the year will occur in November, according to NASA.
So, to the moon lovers out there, did you manifest all your wishes under the brightest super moon last night?
—iro