Two special sights were afforded to sky-watchers across the world on Oct. 17, 2024 as the rise of the year's closest full moon duelled with comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

After a display of the rare Northern Lights and an appearance of a comet that may leave the solar system forever, the year’s largest supermoon completed October’s celestial trifecta.

October's supermoon, known as the "Hunter's Moon," will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. Why it matters: The third of this year's four consecutive supermoons arrives during an active month of skywatching between rare northern lights sightings and the once-in-a-lifetime comet.