UAE residents are enjoying an exciting week. Two remarkable celestial events are set to light up the night sky. The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting public viewing events for the Hunter Supermoon on October 17. It will be followed by the appearance of Comet C/2023 and the Orionids Meteor Shower on October 19.
The Hunter Supermoon will be the final supermoon of 2024. It will be visible on the evening of October 17. During a supermoon, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth. This particular Hunter Supermoon will offer an exceptional view of the lunar surface, perfect for amateur astronomers and photographers to capture stunning images.
Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, the CEO of the Dubai Astronomy Group, highlighted the importance of this event. He stated, “The Hunter Supermoon is a fantastic opportunity for skywatchers to observe the moon’s features in remarkable detail. We encourage everyone to join us. As we delve into the wonders of our nearest celestial neighbor.”
Just two days later, the sky will come alive again. It will show the Comet C/2023 and the peak of the Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids are famous for their bright and swift meteors. They originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet. They can produce around 20 meteors per hour at their peak. Comet C/2023 is a recent discovery. It will enhance the spectacle as it travels across the sky.
The Dubai Astronomy Group will host a public event for enthusiasts. They will observe both the comet and the meteor shower. The event will include telescopes, live commentary from astronomy experts, and much more.