Hesse's sky: Supermond, Comet and Northern Lights - the big spectacle!

Hesse's sky: Supermond, Comet and Northern Lights - the big spectacle!

In the night from Thursday to Friday, exciting natural phenomena are on the program in the sky over Hesse. The possibility of observing the comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas, a supermond and even aoll lights ensures anticipation for star watchers. However, whether these experiences are actually tangible depends on the weather.

The super moon will open in the northeastern sky on Thursday evening at 6.30 p.m. According to HR meteorologist Tim Gotsch, the moon should then be visible all night, but its presence could be affected by clouds and fog. The special appearance of the super moon arises because the moon is closer to the earth than usual. "The moon allks the earth on an elliptical path," explains Uwe Pilz, chairman of the Association of Sternfreunde in Bensheim. Due to this elliptical path, the removal of the moon varies to earth and it appears larger or smaller.

optical deception of the Supermond

The illusion that arises when you see the moon is also interesting. Thomas Ranft from the HR explains that when it is deep on the horizon, the moon has a bigger effect because our eye perceives it with reference to earthly objects, such as trees or mountains. This "moon illusion" shows how our perception sometimes plays a prank.

But the chances of actually seeing the Supermond clearly are not guaranteed. There is no 100 percent security, but there is also no complete risk of exclusion. Individual cloud fields could ensure an impaired view, and so it remains exciting up to the last few minutes.

comet observations under the best conditions

companion of this nightly spectacle is the comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas. The comet is visible with the naked eye or binoculars by the end of October and will be more or less easy to see in the corresponding period. Uwe Pilz advises to use the best visual conditions with a clear sky and a good view of the western horizon. However, planned observations on Thursday between 7.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. could be affected by the light of the super moon. The conditions may be best at the beginning of the coming week if the moon no longer shines as much and the comet comes into its own.

Northern lights and their visibility

In addition, the sky over Hesse could also come up with northern lights that evening. These mostly show up in the north and can be perceived as a reddish appearance on the horizon. With a stronger appearance, they shine green and move like curtains in the wind. But here, too, the view is not guaranteed, because the activity of the sun plays an important role, and at the moment it is unlikely that strong Northern Northern Lights will become visible. "The sun is currently very quiet," says meteorologist Tim Gotsch.

If you still want to take the chance, you have the opportunity to watch the Northern Lights tonight, and you can find out more about special apps that warn of events. However, these procedures are only effective half an hour in advance, since satellites have to collect the data required.

For an exciting exploration of the star constellations, it is advisable to use a compass to determine the cardinal directions and find good spaces. On Saturday, October 19, the day of astronomy, on which various institutes, observatory and museums offer the opportunity to learn more about astronomy and experience the night sky live if the weather is.

The night of October 18 to October 18 will be a special opportunity for star observers in Hesse, the magical aspects of heaven - provided that the weather plays with.