Here's how to see the 'once-in-a-lifetime' comet and large supermoon over Philadelphia – NBC10 Philadelphia

This could be a once-in-a-lifetime event for this world, as NASA updated its predictions earlier this week: “The comet's orbit could take it completely out of the solar system.”

When will the comet be visible?

The comet came within about 44 million miles of Earth on October 12, 2024, NASA's Earth Observatory said.

Tsuchinshan ATLAS first appeared in the early night sky just after sunset this Saturday, deep in the west, Pitts said in an Instagram Reel. In the following evenings it moved higher into the sky and became more visible.

“At maximum visibility in the Northern Hemisphere, the brightness of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is estimated to be between 2 and 4,” Watch the Skies said. “In comparison, the brightest visible star in the night sky, Sirius, has a magnitude of -1.46. The brightest solar reflection is Venus with a magnitude of -4. The International Space Station sometimes reaches a relative brightness of -6. “

According to NASA, the comet had a magnitude of 3.3 on October 15.

Since sunset occurs at 6:19 p.m. on Wednesday, the best time to go outside is between 6:50 and 7 p.m., NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Bill Henley said. “Look to the western horizon where the comet will set.”

The comet continues to grow fainter as it moves further from the sun each night and should be out of sight by early November, astronomers said.

“And enjoy the view,” Cooke advised.

What are the best conditions to observe the comet?

“The comet's head – consisting of the nucleus and coma – as well as the tail should be visible again in clear, dark skies,” said Pitts.

Grab a compass to orient yourself.

“Choose a dark vantage point shortly after dark, Cooke recommended,” NASA said. “Looking southwest, about 10 degrees above the horizon, identify the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS should be visible between them. Until October 14, the comet could remain visible midway between the bright star Arcturus and the planet Venus.

“Stars and comets will shine brighter against the dark sky backdrop, making this a near-ideal opportunity to see the comet, which occurs every 80,000 years,” Henley said.

Pitts advises grabbing binoculars “to follow the comet.”

Henley agrees: “For the best view, try to find a spot away from city lights to minimize light pollution. While the comet may be visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope will give you a clearer and more detailed view, especially if you want to see its tail.

Now about this mega supermoon.

“Take care of yourself,” Henley said. “In addition to the comet, you should also check out the almost full Hunter's Moon rising in the eastern sky. It will be the brightest supermoon of the year. Although the moon won't be fully illuminated until Thursday morning, it will still be a spectacular sight on Thursday evening. Have fun watching!”

What is a Supermoon?

“The term 'supermoon' was coined in 1979 and is often used to describe what astronomers would call a perigee full moon: a full moon that occurs near or at the time when the moon is at the closest point in its orbit around the Earth,” NASA wrote.

“A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit comes closest to Earth (perigee) and the moon is simultaneously full,” NASA said.

Essentially, it appears to be a larger than usual full moon.

Why is this supermoon in October so great?

The names alone make this megamoon special. “The next full moon is a supermoon; the Hunter's Moon; the Traveling Moon, the Dying Grass Moon, or the Sanguine or Blood Moon; the beginning of Sukkot; Sharad Purnima, Kumara Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Navanna Purnima Kojagrat Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima; the end of Vassa and Pavarana; the end of the Phaung Daw U Pagoda Festival;

The third supermoon of 2024 will come in at about 222,055 miles on Wednesday evening, making it appear even larger and brighter than previous supermoons in August and September.

“Scientists caution that only the keenest observers can spot the subtle differences,” the Associated Press reported. “It's easier to see the change in brightness – a supermoon can be 30% brighter than average.”

When is the best time to see the October supermoon?

According to NASA, the moon will officially become full on Thursday morning (October 17, 2024) at 7:26 a.m. ET. However, the moon will be a “supermoon” and will reach perigee on Wednesday at 8:48 p.m. ET.

The best time to see it in all its glory is Wednesday night through Thursday morning before sunrise. Henley said the moon will rise in the east at 5:51 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

However, around that time, “it will appear to be full for about three days, from Tuesday evening to Friday morning,” Johnston said.

Could the moon actually deter the comet?

The moonlight will obscure some of the comet's visibility, Cooke told the Associated Press.

“Most astronomers hate the full moon because its bright light makes it difficult to observe other objects. So it’s a little hard for us to wax poetic about it, even if it is the biggest supermoon of 2024,” he said in an email.

The biggest question: Will the weather over the Philadelphia region cooperate for the celestial double feature?

Simple answer: yes!

“Over the next few evenings, the weather will be near perfect for catching a rare glimpse of the comet lighting up the night sky,” said meteorologist Bill Henley. “A large area of ​​high pressure is developing in the Philadelphia area, bringing us clear skies and cold nights. This also reduces humidity and particles, giving us a clearer and sharper view of the night sky.”

“By the time the comet sinks below the horizon at 8:32 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, temperatures will fall to over 40°C. So make sure you dress warmly,” Henley said.

Don't worry if you miss the comet on Wednesday evening, as Henley says skies will remain clear for the next few days.

Enjoy!