October full moon shines over NYC, as rare comet is visible again. Here's when to see them.
NEW YORK -- The October 2024 full moon is here, and the supermoon known as the Hunter's Moon is expected to be the brightest of the year so far.
Meanwhile, stargazers are hoping for another chance to see a rare comet, and we have a meteor shower headed our way early next week.
Here's everything you need to know about when and where to keep your eyes on the skies.
When to see the next full moon for 2024
The Hunter's Moon reached its nearest point to Earth around 9 p.m. Wednesday, and the full moon was set to materialize around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
The moon started looking extra bright Tuesday night and will continue to do so for the next few days, until Friday morning.
Astronomers say for the best view, head outside just after sunset and look just above the horizon.
October 2024 supermoon visibility forecast
Wednesday was our coldest night of the week, and freeze warnings and frost advisories were spread out across the northwest suburbs.
Thankfully, viewing conditions were excellent, with mainly clear skies.
Thursday will be another gorgeous autumn day, as an Omega Block sets up across the region. This will allow for a long stretch of sunny days and clear nights — perfect for viewing the Orionids meteor shower as it peaks early next week.
Rare comet viewing in New Jersey
A comet that hasn't been seen from Earth in 80,000 years appeared in the skies over New York and New Jersey last weekend, and there was another chance to see it Wednesday night.
Viewers shared photos from Putnam County, New York and Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
A viewing event was also held at the William D. McDowell Observatory at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The observatory said the comet would be visible with a telescope from approximately 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
If you missed it, experts say it may be visible over the next four nights, but will get dimmer each day.
All this celestial activity comes after the northern lights put on a show from a geomagnetic storm last week, setting up stunning photos over the New York City skyline.
