Final Supermoon of 2024 Rises This Week After Meteor Showers

SAN ANGELO, TX - Sky watchers have one last chance to catch a supermoon in 2024 as it lights up the sky on Thursday night, appearing bigger and brighter after the peak of the Taurid meteor shower and ahead of the Leonids’ activity.

The Taurid meteor shower, known for its slow-moving fireballs, peaks in early November. The Southern Taurids reached their maximum activity around November 5, while the Northern Taurids were expected to peak on November 12. Following the Taurids, the Leonid meteor shower is anticipated to peak on the night of November 16 into the early hours of November 17.

This supermoon is the fourth and final one of the year, approaching Earth within about 225,000 miles. It will reach its full phase on Friday, promising a clear view for much of Texas, where a recent cold front is expected to bring clear skies and cool temperatures.

Supermoons occur when the moon’s full phase coincides with its closest approach to Earth, a phenomenon that typically happens three to four times annually due to the moon’s oval-shaped orbit. While a supermoon isn’t physically larger, it can appear up to 30% brighter than usual.

This year’s supermoon series began in August, with October’s supermoon coming the closest at 222,055 miles. Scientists say the difference in size is subtle but notable for keen observers.

The next series of supermoons is expected in October 2025.