Pakistan is set to witness a stunning celestial display this evening with the rise of its third supermoon of 2024. The supermoon will be visible after sunset, starting at 4:26 PM, offering a breathtaking view for skywatchers.
This is the third of four consecutive supermoons this year and promises to be the brightest by a small margin. At this time, the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth, around 226,000 kilometers away, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
The phenomenon, which can also be observed in other parts of the world such as New Zealand, Japan, and Australia, occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth. This proximity causes it to shine about 14% brighter and appear 7% larger compared to a regular full moon.
Astronomers anticipate that the Moon will appear full for approximately three days, from Tuesday evening to Friday morning. For those west of the International Date Line, the supermoon occurred late Wednesday night, while those further east, such as in New Zealand, will see it early Friday morning.
Adding to the excitement, the next supermoon is scheduled to light up the skies on November 15, further encouraging interest in lunar observations. Astronomers also point out that, on rare occasions, two full moons can occur in a single lunar month, with the second moon being referred to as a “Blue Moon,” offering an additional layer of intrigue to the lunar calendar.
