Supermoon takes centre stage today, coincides in cosmic flash with Kojagiri Poornima festival

Panaji: The third and largest Supermoon of this year will be visible from Goa on Oct 17. This astronomical event will have the Moon appearing up to 14% larger than a typical full moon.
The phenomenon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest orbital point to Earth—known as perigee—simultaneously coinciding with a full moon, creating what astronomers call the Perigee-Syzgee.This year is particularly special, boasting a rare series of four Supermoons, with this one set to shine the brightest and largest.
The public astronomical observatories in Panaji at Junta House and in Margao at Ravindra Bhavan will open their doors from 7pm to 9pm.
Admission is free, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the cosmos.
“This year, the Hindu festival of Kojagiri Poornima coincides with the astronomical phenomenon of the Supermoon,” said president of the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA), Satish Nayak.
Celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin, Kojagiri Poornima, also known as Sharad Poornima or the autumn full moon, falls on Oct 16, while the Supermoon will be at its peak on Oct 17.
Traditionally, the timing of festivals in India is determined by the lunar calendar, as laid out in the Indian astronomical almanac, or panchang. The festival of Kojagiri Poornima is celebrated at the start of the lunar day, known as ‘tithi’.
This year, the full moon phase begins on the night of Oct 16, prompting celebrations for Kojagiri Poornima that evening.
However, the Moon’s closest approach to Earth occurs on Oct 17, marking the technical Supermoon.
“In addition to being a time for festivities in the state, Kojagiri Poornima also connects with the western tradition known as the Hunter’s Moon, as both events occur in Oct,” said Nayak.