October 2024 is shaping up to be quite the month for moon gazers, thanks to the Hunter’s Supermoon, which promises to light up the night sky and capture the imaginations of many. This celestial event not only brings beauty to the autumn evenings but also offers unique opportunities for seasonal traditions and sweet treats.
On the night of October 17, 2024, the first full moon of the month will occur, commonly known as the "Hunter's Moon." This traditional name can be traced back to the days when it provided the perfect lighting for hunting deer and other game animals getting fattened up for winter. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, as leaves began to fall from trees, it was time for early gatherings of supplies, making the moon's illuminating presence quite welcome.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest distance to Earth during its orbit, resulting in these lunar bodies appearing roughly 14 percent larger and about 30 percent brighter than at other times. NASA and various astronomy sources highlight the fact this full moon will be the final supermoon of the year, making it particularly noteworthy—especially as it rises shortly after sunset on October 17.
While many enthusiasts will be eager to enjoy the enchanting visual display, there is also something sweet to celebrate alongside this lunar spectacle. Krispy Kreme has jumped on the cosmic bandwagon by launching its special Supermoon Super Doughnut for one day only, on October 17. This new treat features unglazed dough filled with cookies and Kreme filling, finished off with yellow icing and chocolate cookie pieces. Krispy Kreme's Global Chief Brand Officer, Dave Skena, emphasized the significance of this moon, urging everyone to get outside and grab these delightful doughnuts during this celestial occurrence.
The Supermoon Super Doughnut will be available at participating venues across the country for just one day, and fans can either purchase it as part of specialty dozen boxes or as individual treats. But heads up, supplies are limited—so it’s best to act fast if you want to snag the sweet-themed snack.
According to astronomical experts, the Hunter’s Supermoon is expected to rise prominently on the eastern horizon around sunset on October 17, with its peak illumination at 7:26 AM EDT the next morning. Even though most people won't see the full moon's zenith due to its early morning timing, it will still be visible to the naked eye on the evenings leading up to the peak, making it special for both casual and avid stargazers alike.
This year marks the last of several supermoons we’ve enjoyed throughout the past few months, beginning with the first one back in August. These occurrences have garnered significant attention from both scientific communities and enthusiastic stargazers, eager to witness such natural wonders. Four supermoons took place this year alone, with the Hunter’s Moon delivering one last opportunity for people to enjoy the magnificent sky.
Aside from its intrinsic beauty, the Hunter’s Supermoon holds cultural significance as well. Historically, different Indigenous peoples of North America have ascribed unique names to various full moons based on seasonal changes and activities. For example, the Dakota people refer to it as the "Drying Rice Moon," and the Cree call it the "Migratory Moon" due to the seasonal behavior of birds flying south. Each name reflects the rhythm of nature and the interconnectedness of life cycles.
The moon’s super-close approach this month holds additional allure. Experts explain how the nuances of the moon's orbit contribute to its visual prominence during supermoons. A supermoon occurs when the moon more closely aligns with Earth at its perigee, which is just one phase within its approximately 27-day orbital path around our planet. While supermoons aren’t exceedingly rare, this month’s event presents the greatest proximity of the moon for the whole year.
So, whether you're planning to look up at the enchanting light of the Hunter’s Supermoon, perhaps nibble on some delicious Krispy Kreme sweets, it's clear this October event is sure to dazzle and delight those who take part. After all, as the cool fall air begins to settle, it serves as a perfect backdrop to celebrate nature—inviting both excitement and reflection as we enjoy all the gifts this season brings.
