Every October, stargazers look forward to a celestial spectacle known as the Hunter’s Moon, and this year, it’s set to shine brighter than usual. On October 17, 2024, the moon will reach its peak illumination, illuminating the night sky with its larger-than-normal glow.
This supermoon, which occur when the full moon is at least 90% of its closest point to Earth, or perigee, is set to be the most impressive of the year. When the moon is near its perigee, it appears up to 30% larger and 20% brighter than the typical full moon. For this Hunter’s Moon, it’s expected to be just over 222,000 miles away, making it a sight to behold.
The term 'Hunter’s Moon' has its origins rooted in Native American traditions. It was named by various tribes to signify the time to prepare for the coming winter. This full moon occurs after the Harvest Moon and provided light for hunters as they sought game animals to stock up for the colder months. The Algonquin tribes, among others, noted the importance of this moon: “With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt,” as described by Space.com.
For those eager to witness this spectacle, the optimal viewing time will be shortly after sunset when the moon will first rise. Although the peak full moon moment is at 7:26 AM ET, it will be hidden below the horizon. So, plan to gaze upward from the early evening onward for the best view.
Adding even more excitement to this lunar event, four planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—will also grace the sky during the same evening. Depending on local conditions, these planets could create quite the cosmic lineup alongside the luminous moon, providing ample opportunities for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Weather permitting, those hoping to see the Hunter’s Moon should venture outside about one hour after sunset. Areas with lower light pollution will render the best views, so find open spaces away from urban glow.
And if the cosmos doesn’t cooperate? Fret not! The moon will remain full for three full days—October 16-18—so you can try again if the skies aren't clear on the 17th.
Meanwhile, October also promises other celestial events, including the rare Comet C/2023 A3, also called Tsuchinshan-Atlas, which is expected to pass near Earth this month. This comet, discovered last year, will be visible well through the end of October, especially just after sunset. Experts recommend heading outside around twilight and scanning the western sky when the comet makes its closest approach.
When viewing comets, it often appears as a fuzzy blob with a trailing tail—quite the mesmerizing sight. But unlike the monthly moon events, Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas won’t return for another 80,000 years. So, mark your calendars for your chance to observe this cosmic traveler!
Overall, October is bursting with astronomical wonders, making it the perfect month for both experienced astronomers and casual sky-watchers to revel under the celestial spotlight. So grab your binoculars, bundle up if it’s chilly outside, and prepare to be awestruck by the big, bright Hunter’s Moon and elusive comets lighting up the night sky!
