This October, skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as the Hunter's Moon, a rare and spectacular supermoon, graces the heavens. Reaching its peak on Thursday, October 17 at 19:26 ET (04:56 AM IST on October 18 in India), this supermoon will be one of the biggest and brightest of the year, promising a breathtaking view for all.

What Is a Supermoon

The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is near its perigee—the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. This year’s Hunter’s Moon will be at a distance of 357,364 km from Earth, significantly closer than its average distance of 384,400 km. As a result, the moon will appear remarkably vivid in the night sky.

The full moon will be visible for three days, beginning the night before its peak, offering multiple opportunities for sky enthusiasts to enjoy its splendor.

Why Is It Called the Hunter's Moon

The Hunter's Moon follows the Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Its name originates from ancient hunting traditions: after the harvest, fields were cleared, making it easier for hunters to spot animals as they foraged for food before the onset of winter. The clear skies and increased brightness of this moon provided optimal conditions for night hunting.

In the northern hemisphere, the Hunter’s Moon typically occurs in October. However, this moon is not tied to a specific month but rather follows the Harvest Moon. In the southern hemisphere, it happened earlier this year, on April 23. Future dates include April 13, 2025, for the southern hemisphere and November 5, 2025, for the northern hemisphere.

Astronomical Alignment

At the time of its full illumination, the Hunter's Moon will pass through the constellation Pisces, adding an additional layer of cosmic intrigue for astronomers and stargazers alike.

Interestingly, the October full moon is also often referred to as the blood moon, but not because of any reddish hue. Instead, this name stems from traditional hunting season associations. It is important to distinguish this from the blood moon phenomenon caused by a lunar eclipse, which turns the moon a reddish color.

Looking ahead, the next full moon on Halloween night will not occur until 2039, making this month’s supermoon all the more special for those seeking a spooky celestial experience.

October's Astronomical Highlights

October has already brought a variety of celestial events, including a solar eclipse on October 2, visible primarily in South America. In addition, the Draconid meteor shower occurred between October 6 and 10, providing a dazzling display in the night sky.

However, skywatchers still have more to look forward to. The Orionid meteor shower will be visible from November 2 to 7, with its peak activity expected on October 21. This annual meteor shower, formed by debris from Halley's Comet, promises a brilliant show for stargazers.

Final Thoughts

The Hunter's Moon is a breathtaking natural phenomenon, steeped in historical significance and cosmic wonder. With its larger-than-life appearance and close proximity to Earth, this supermoon offers a captivating experience for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers alike. Whether you're out for a night of stargazing or simply admiring the bright moon from your window, the Hunter's Moon is not to be missed.