This October, skywatchers are gearing up for quite the celestial spectacle. The Hunter's Moon, which falls on October 25, 2024, promises to be more than just the typical full moon; it’s set to be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year.
The Hunter's Moon is part of the supermoon phenomenon, which occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. According to NASA, this moon will be particularly special as it will be at its nearest point to our planet at just about 221,938 miles away. This proximity not only enhances its size but also boosts its brightness, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon observed throughout the year.
Astrophysicist Joe Rao from Space.com highlights the importance of this occurrence, noting we can also anticipate unusually high and low tides as Hurricane Milton’s aftermath still affects coastal areas. These tides might pose challenges for regions near high rivers still dealing with flooding.
The full moon officially reaches its peak on Thursday morning at 7:26 AM EDT, but stargazers are advised to look out for it Wednesday night around 8:48 PM. It’s at this time when it will appear its largest, particularly for those who are observing it near the horizon. While the difference might be negligible to the naked eye, there is something mesmerizing about watching the moon rise or set. It’s commonly observed, even by non-astronomers, how moons appear bigger when close to the horizon—a phenomenon still under discussion among scientists.
The term 'supermoon' was first coined by astrologer Richard Nolle back in 1979, but scientifically, it is referred to as a perigean full moon. Each year sees around three to four supermoons, and this year, the Hunter's Moon joins the ranks of earlier supermoons seen back in August and September.
But what is the Hunter's Moon, and where does it fit within the lunar calendar? Traditionally, this moon signals the time for hunters to prepare for winter as game animals would be fattened and ready for harvest. The Farmers' Almanac notes it has also been called the Sanguine or Blood Moon, possibly referencing either the blood from hunting or the deep reds of autumn leaves.
You're probably wondering why full moons even have names. The practice stems from various cultures who assigned names to mark the calendar, planting and harvesting cycles, and significant events. This is particularly true for names derived from Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions, marking the full moon’s relevance to the entire lunar month, not just the appearance of the moon itself.
While gathering all the facts is important, it’s clear the Hunter's Moon is more than just another full moon. For photography enthusiasts, capturing this lunar event can be particularly rewarding. The best time to take photos of the supermoon is during moonrise and moonset, ideally during dawn or dusk when the moon tends to glow softly. A zoom lens is recommended to capture those detailed shots, but do bring along a tripod to avoid any fuzziness related to movement. Integrate the moon with landscapes—like city skylines or nature—to realize dramatic and enchanting imagery.
Once the Hunter's Moon passes, sky watchers won't want to miss out on the final supermoon of the year, the Beaver Moon, which will occur on November 15, 2024. Astrophotographycially speaking, this will be the fourth and last opportunity for 2024 to witness such close proximity between the Earth and its lunar neighbor.
So, mark your calendars, grab your cameras, and prepare for October’s mesmerizing Hunter's Moon—the biggest and brightest celestial event of the year awaits!
