2024-10-01 05:16:29
The tenth month of the year will be a fascinating month for astronomy lovers. From meteor showers even an impressive superlunathe skies will be filled with cosmic spectacles that you won’t want to miss. Below, we share the calendar of astronomical events for October 2024 so you can enjoy all of them to the fullest.
Calendar of astronomical events for October 2024 in Guatemala
This month will be marked by three main events: the peak of the Orionid meteor showerthe Full Hunter’s Moonwhich will also be a superlunaand although Guatemala will not witness a eclipse solaris an important event in the global astronomical calendar.
Solar Eclipse – October 2
On October 2, a annular solar eclipse y partial It will be visible in various parts of the world, but Guatemala will not be on the observation route. The countries that will be able to enjoy the annular solar eclipse are mainly Chile and Argentina, while other parts of South America, Antarctica and the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, will be able to see a partial eclipse.
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns between the Earth and the Sun, but due to the distance between the Earth and the Moon, it does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a “ring of fire” visible. In the case of a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon, creating a unique image in the sky. Although we will not be able to see it this year, just one year ago, on October 14, 2023, our country and the entire American continent were able to enjoy an annular eclipse of the Sun.
Full Hunter’s Moon and Supermoon – October 17
October 17 will mark the appearance of the Full Hunter’s Moona full moon traditionally associated with hunting season in ancient cultures. This Moon occurs just after the Harvest Moon and used to provide additional light for hunters preparing their supplies before winter.
This year, the Full Hunter’s Moon will also be a supermoon, the third of four consecutive ones in 2024. During this phenomenon, the Moon will be at its perigee, the closest point to the Earth in its orbit, making it up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. Compared to previous supermoons, this will be the “largest and brightest”, since it will be 357,363 kilometers away, when the normal average distance between the Moon and Earth is more than 384,400 kilometers.
Peak of the Orionid meteor shower – October 21
The Orionid meteor showers, known for their brightness and speed, will peak on October 21. This event occurs annually when the Earth crosses the orbit of Halley’s Comet, causing debris and dust particles from the comet to enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed. As these particles disintegrate, they generate bright flashes in the night sky, commonly known as “shooting stars.”
According to NASA, the Orionids travel at an impressive speed of 66 km/s. Although they are fast, they can sometimes generate fireballs, which are larger fragments that produce prolonged explosions of light. During the peak on October 21, up to 23 meteors per hour could be observed, as long as weather conditions allow it. To enjoy this spectacle, find a place with little light pollution and a clear sky.
October lunar calendar
- New moon: Wednesday, October 2
- Crescent Quarter: Thursday, October 10
- Super Full Hunter Moon: October 17
- Waning Quarter: Thursday, October 24
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