Science

Experience the Majestic Hunter Supermoon of 2024: Join Us for a Live Online Event!

2024-10-08

Author: Siti

Get ready to witness the spectacular Hunter Supermoon on October 17, 2024! This celestial event will mark the third Supermoon of the year and is poised to be the largest full Moon of 2024, making it an unforgettable sight for stargazers around the globe.

The Virtual Telescope Project will stream live images of this stunning natural phenomenon directly from our robotic observatory in Manciano, Italy. You can join this one-of-a-kind experience from the comfort of your home—and the best part? It's completely free!

Event Details:

- **Date:** October 17, 2024

- **Time:** Live streaming begins at 20:30 UTC

Simply visit our webTV page at the specified date and time to be a part of this extraordinary event!

Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, PhD, founder and Director of the Virtual Telescope Project, will guide you through this captivating experience. Here’s what Dr. Masi has to say about the significance of the Supermoon:

“Although ‘Supermoon’ is a popular term, referring to a full or new Moon occurring at perigee—the point in its orbit when the Moon is closest to Earth—astronomers prefer ‘perigee full Moon.’ Regardless, it’s a magical name that draws people in.”

Dr. Masi emphasizes the importance of urban astronomy: “Observing the sky from within the city is vital for raising awareness about light pollution. The Supermoon encourages us to look up, appreciate the night sky’s beauty, and understand why it's diminishing in our urban landscapes. This awareness can inspire responsible lighting practices.”

He adds that the Hunter Supermoon will be noticeably brighter and larger than an average full Moon, although these differences may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. This subtlety adds to the allure of the event—a unique opportunity to reconnect with one of nature's wonders.

Don’t miss the magical moments at sunrise and sunset when the Moon rises and sets! The contrast of the rising full Moon against the twilight sky is a visual spectacle, enhanced by its brightness against a dark landscape. During this time, the Moon may appear larger due to an optical illusion caused by the presence of horizons and landmarks.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled by the Hunter Supermoon! To join the live event, just visit our webTV page on October 17, and witness the breathtaking beauty of our moon as it lights up the night sky.

Get ready to indulge in this celestial celebration!