Another week, another dazzling night-sky event. After skygazers across Australia got treated to a stunning display of aurora australis and the brightest comet of the year last week, another spectacular week of celestial activity is upon us. This week will see a supermoon light up the skies — notably, the brightest of the year. Plus, as an extra treat for astronomy enthusiasts, the spectacular Orionid meteor shower is set to peak later this week. Here’s what you need to know about the two events and when to gaze at the night sky if you’re eager to catch a glimpse.
Hunter’s Supermoon
If you had to see one supermoon this year, make sure it’s the Hunter’s Moon. Set to be the brightest of the year, the moon will rise on Thursday, October 17. It has been known as the Hunter’s Moon since 1710, as a nod to the season when hunters traditionally began gathering and storing food in preparation for winter.
When a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, it appears slightly larger and brighter, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a ‘supermoon.’ This is the third of four supermoons this year so don’t miss out; the final supermoon of the year will rise on November 15.
Orionid Meteor Shower
Over the weekend, the Orionid Meteor Shower, caused when Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, will produce a display of 10 to 20 meteors per hour. The Orionids are considered one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year but unfortunately, the shower will coincide with the bright waning gibbous moon, a phase between a full moon and a half moon, which might interfere with the meteor shower, according to EarthSky.org. It’s still a good idea to watch for meteors, which can be seen near the constellation Orion, especially from a dark sky spot. Orion is visible in the northwestern sky in the southern hemisphere.
The Orionid meteor shower is predicted to peak on the night between October 20 and 21.
How to watch
As long as the sky is clear and cloudless, you don’t need equipment to see the supermoon and can enjoy it in all its glory with the naked eye. The supermoon will be most visible as it appears above the horizon and will shine bright all night. To calculate sunrise and moonrise times in your location, head here.
For your best shot at catching some meteors head to a dark sky location like the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran or Palm Beach Headland. Coastal locations like Bondi can also provide dark and clear skies if the weather is favourable. According to Space.com, you don’t need any special equipment to see meteors and the trick is to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 10-15 minutes. Find more information here.