Skywatchers in Laramie will be treated to a fantastic sight soon, when the largest “Super Moon” of the year arrives low over the horizon. The event will occur on October 17, when the moon will be closest to Earth and low over the horizon.
The super moon will be visible from anywhere in Laramie, but for a better experience of the event, it’s recommended to travel outside of town, where there will be less light pollution and buildings to block your view. The October 17 supermoon is the third in a series of supermoons throughout 2024, but this one is certain to be the most spectacular. The combination of the Moon’s location in its orbit and its position over the horizon will treat amateur astronomers and skywatchers alike to a unique and stunning sight.
“Supermoons,” as they’re called, occur when the moon reaches the perihelion (lowest point) of its orbit around the Earth, meaning that it’s at its closest point to the planet. This occurs because the moon is in an elliptical (oval shaped) rather than perfectly circular orbit. Sometimes The Moon is further away, and sometimes its closer. This is why The Moon often doesn’t look to be the same size in the night sky every night.
This supermoon, however, is spectacular due to the combination of several factors aside from it being close to the Earth. The Moon will also be at its fullest near its perihelion, making for an incredibly bright and prominent sight. Secondly, however, is its position over the horizon. For a reason scientists can’t yet explain, the Human brain makes the moon larger in our minds when closer to the horizon, likely due to the presence of other identifiable landmarks that silhouette against it. This year’s supermoon is expected to rise just before sunset, and will be low over the horizon, causing our brains to see it as much larger than it actually is, and making for an extra spectacular sight. In addition to this, the presence of fire smoke in the air may make the Moon a brilliant shade of red, adding even further to the event.
In addition to being a supermoon, this specific one is also the Hunter’s Moon, which follows last month’s Harvest Moon. The name “Hunter’s Moon” supposedly comes from the Algonquin Native American Tribe, who looked to it as an anticipation of the coming winter and an indication to stock up on meat for the cold times ahead.
October’s Super/Hunter Moon is sure to make for an incredible and rare viewing experience. If you wish to see it in its full glory, make sure to get out next Thursday on October 17 to see it yourselves, weather permitting. Good viewing areas would be in Vedauwoo, up towards Snowy Range, or even the Walmart parking lot. Don’t miss this incredible astronomical event!
