This Wednesday, October 17, 2024, the Pink City will be treated to the last supermoon of the year. It’s the perfect opportunity to look up at the sky and admire this unique celestial phenomenon, which will illuminate Toulouse for three days. For astrology enthusiasts, this full moon – nicknamed the “Hunter’s Moon” – invites reflection, as it is placed under the sign of Aries. What’s a supermoon? Where can you see it shining in the Toulouse sky? We tell you all about it.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with perigee, the point at which the Moon is closest to the Earth. At 1:26pm today, our satellite was 357,364 kilometers from us. Compared with a normal full moon, it appears some 14% larger and 30% brighter, although this difference remains discreet to the naked eye.
This phenomenon is reinforced by what is known as the lunar illusion. When the moon is low in the sky, it appears larger and brighter, particularly during autumn full moons. Tonight, it may even display reddish or orange hues, due to the scattering of light by the atmosphere. So keep your eyes peeled!
Weather and vantage points for supermoon viewing in Toulouse
Unfortunately, the weather in Toulouse this evening won’t be favorable for observing this celestial spectacle, with mostly overcast skies and thunderstorms in the offing. But will this spoil the show? Nothing is less certain.
For those brave enough to brave the weather, an unforgettable experience awaits. Here are three places from which to admire the moon tonight:
- La Prairie des Filtres – an open space with a clear view of the sky.
- Jardin des Plantes – perfect for a soothing setting under the trees.
- The roof of the Cité de l’Espace – for a unique, astronomical view.
These evenings in Toulouse, the sun sets at 7.07pm. So don’t miss the brightest full moon of the year!