The upcoming full moon on Tuesday night, September 17, 2024, at 10:35 PM EDT, will be a partial lunar eclipse, known as a SuperMoon. This full moon is also referred to as the Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, Fruit Moon, or Barley Moon. It marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi and the start of Pitru Paksha for Hindus, Madhu Purnima for Buddhists, and the Mid-Autumn Festival for countries like China, Vietnam, and Korea.
In addition to the celestial events, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is expected to pass close to the Sun on September 27, 2024. If it survives this passage, it may become one of the best comets visible in a long time. The comet is predicted to increase in brightness from visual magnitude 4 to near 3, making it visible under dark sky conditions and even more impressive through binoculars or a telescope.
Throughout this lunar cycle, various meteor showers are predicted to peak, offering skywatchers a chance to witness these celestial events. Additionally, the positioning of planets like Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and the bright star Regulus will provide stunning morning and evening sky highlights.
As we look forward to observing these celestial events, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest news and viewing information for optimal skywatching experiences. Whether you’re interested in the lunar eclipse, the upcoming supermoons, or the potential sighting of Comet C/2023 A3, there’s plenty to explore in the night sky in the coming weeks. So grab your binoculars, set up your telescope, and enjoy the wonders of the cosmos right from your backyard. Happy stargazing!