This yr, from October 20 to November 17, Muskoka: Residence of the Stars invitations you to gaze upward and witness the great thing about the celebs. Listed below are 4 key occasions to mark in your calendar together with the 25+ stargazing occasions happening throughout the area.
1. Hunter’s Moon – October 17, 2024
The primary main celestial occasion is October’s Hunter’s Moon, which is able to attain peak illumination at 7:26 am on October 17. For the very best viewing, head outdoors on the evening of October 16 or 17. This full moon, additionally a supermoon, will seem bigger and brighter than typical because it reaches its closest level to Earth. Historically, this moon marked the season when individuals would put together for the colder months forward, gathering provisions and making certain meals for winter.
Viewing Tip: Discover an open spot with a transparent view of the horizon, comparable to Lions Lookout or Huckleberry Rock Lookout, and watch the moonrise because it lights up the panorama.
2. Orionid Meteor Bathe – October 20 to 21, 2024
Only a few days after the Hunter’s Moon, we’re handled to the Orionid Meteor Bathe, which is able to peak from October 20 to 21. These meteors are fragments from Halley’s Comet and seem to radiate from the constellation Orion. At their peak, you possibly can count on round 15 to twenty meteors per hour. Nevertheless, with the brightness of the moon nonetheless lingering from the complete Hunter’s Moon, the meteors could seem dimmer this yr.
Viewing Tip: Whereas the meteors is perhaps more durable to see resulting from moonlight, you possibly can enhance your probabilities by heading to Torrance Barrens Darkish-Sky Protect, the place minimal gentle air pollution will permit for a greater view.
3. Beaver Moon – November 15, 2024
November’s Beaver Moon would be the final supermoon of 2024, peaking at 12:00 pm on November 15. Whereas it reaches its peak in the course of the day, the very best viewing shall be on the evening of the fifteenth. The Beaver Moon has deep roots in custom, as some say the title comes from the time when beavers construct their dams to arrange for winter, whereas others imagine it refers back to the time when trappers would set their beaver traps earlier than the water froze.
Viewing Tip: Watch this spectacular supermoon rise above the treeline from the serene shores from Dwight Seaside on Lake of Bays or Arrowhead Provincial Park for a magical reflection on the water.
4. Leonid Meteor Bathe – November 18, 2024
The Leonid Meteor Bathe, brought on by particles from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, will peak on November 18, 2024. The meteors will seem to radiate from Constellation Leo and are recognized for his or her pace, hurtling by means of the environment at 71 km per second. On common, you’ll be capable of spot 15 meteors per hour, although the brightness of the close by full Beaver Moon could as soon as once more obscure the view. The Leonids are well-known for producing meteor storms each 33 years, the final of which occurred in 2002.
Viewing Tip: For the very best likelihood of catching the fast-moving Leonids, take into account bundling up and tenting out at Arrowhead Provincial Park, the place you possibly can mix stargazing with the peaceable environment.
Bonus Tip for Stargazers
Make your stargazing expertise much more memorable by downloading a stargazing app like SkyView or Star Stroll to assist establish constellations, stars, and planets as you stare upon Muskoka’s clear, darkish skies.
As you discover Muskoka: Residence of the Stars this fall, be ready to be amazed by the evening skies. Click on beneath to register for no value.