October Full Moon 2024: Why Is It Called The Hunter’s Moon?

The October full moon, known as the “Hunter’s Moon,” will light up the night sky this week, reaching its peak brightness on Thursday, October 17, at 7:26 AM ET (4:56 PM IST). While the moon will be at its brightest at this time, you can witness its beauty from Tuesday night into Friday morning, according to NASA. For those who enjoy observing celestial events, this moon will be a stunning sight.

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In Hindu culture, the full moon is known as Sharad Purnima and also has several other names such as Kumara Purnima, Kojagari Purnima and Kaumudi Purnima. It has cultural and religious significance, marking the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of harvest.

What is Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon is a supermoon that occurs after the Harvest Moon, the supermoon closest to the autumnal equinox. The term “Hunter’s Moon” is historically significant, with its earliest usage recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1710.

This particular full moon is unique. It appears brighter and rises earlier than other full moons. The increased brightness and earlier rise time provide more light after sunset, which is especially beneficial to hunters. This phenomenon occurs because the moon’s orbit is almost parallel to the horizon during this time, resulting in a short interval between moonrise and sunset.

Typically, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. However, Hunter’s Moon and Harvest Moon behave differently. Both moons usually rise about 30 minutes later on each successive night. This means sunset and moonrise occur close together, extending twilight and providing additional lighting in the early evening.

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Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon?

The name “Hunter’s Moon” is directly related to the hunting tradition in preparation for winter. The origin of the name comes from historical farming and hunting practices observed in many cultures, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. This time of year, after the Harvest Moon, the fields are cleared of crops. As a result, hunting animals such as deer will venture out in search of food in the clearings left behind, making them easier targets for hunters.

This period is considered an ideal time for hunting, as the bright light of the Hunter’s Moon extends the time after sunset available for hunting. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac was instrumental in popularizing the name; it first published Native American names for the full moon in the 1930s. Over time, these names, including Hunter’s Moon, gained widespread recognition and usage, reflecting their cultural and historical significance.

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See the Hunter’s Moon

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the Hunter’s Moon this October, you don’t need any special equipment. The moon will be visible to the naked eye and can be enjoyed from most places around the world.

While the Moon will reach its peak on Thursday at 7:26 a.m. EDT (4:56 p.m. UTC), it will appear nearly full from Tuesday night into Friday morning, providing multiple opportunities for lunar viewing. .

This is the third of four consecutive supermoons. The next Beaver Moon, the last supermoon of the year, will occur on November 15, 2024.

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