The final supermoon of 2024 is set to dazzle sky watchers in Montreal this Friday at precisely 3:55 p.m. Get ready for the breathtaking Beaver Moon, which promises to rise magnificently against a backdrop of passing clouds.

During the day, expect temperatures to hover around a mild 7°C, but with the wind chill, it will feel more like -6°C, so dress warmly! As night falls, temperatures are predicted to drop to a chillier 1°C.

Watching a supermoon is always a delight, but this year’s views could be somewhat marred by the brightness of the moon. This full moon will be nearly at its zenith just as the Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak this weekend. Sadly, this means that most of the fainter meteors may be obscured, leaving only the brightest ones visible in the skies above Montreal.

The Leonid meteor shower is famous for its high-speed meteors that can zoom across the sky at spectacular speeds of up to 70 kilometers per second. Shyam Balaji from King’s College London notes, “Although viewing conditions will be challenging due to the nearly full moon, late-night and early-morning observers should look towards the sky, as the moon will be lower, providing a better chance to catch more meteors.”

Under ideal conditions, viewers can expect to spot about 15 meteors per hour during the Leonid peak activity, which this year occurs on a Sunday. Most excitingly, this shower, originating from the debris of comet Tempel-Tuttle, will last until December 2nd.

For those new to meteor watching, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:

1. Best Viewing Times:

Meteor showers are typically most visible in the hours between midnight and dawn.

2. Location Matters:

Find a spot away from city lights and urban pollution for the best visibility. Dark, clear skies are key to enjoying the show.

3. Stay Patient:

Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and put away those bright screens—your eyes will thank you!

Don’t miss out on the upcoming celestial events! The next major meteor shower on the calendar is the Geminids, expected to peak in mid-December.

Prepare your blankets and hot chocolate, gather your friends and family, and experience the incredible celestial show right above Montreal’s skyline! Keep your eyes on the night sky, as this might just be the highlight of your winter!