What to know about tonight’s Hunter’s Moon, the largest supermoon this year
"The Hunter’s Moon will be the largest of the four supermoons this year, reaching its closest distance to the Earth on Wednesday night.
The Hunter’s Moon, this month’s full moon, will illuminate skies this week, as leaves turn from green to orange-yellows and reds, and sweaters become a wardrobe staple.
The moon is the third supermoon of the year, which means it will be particularly bright. Supermoons, full moons that occur when the moon is at the closest point of orbit to the Earth, can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the farthest full moon, according to NASA. Sky watchers can see up to four supermoons each year. And, like clockwork, they always happen consecutively and roughly 29.5 days apart.
The Hunter’s Moon will be the largest of the four supermoons this year, reaching its closest distance to the Earth on Wednesday night.
Where does this moon get its name?
Cultures give different names to moons, often based on common seasonal activities. Dubbed the Hunter’s Moon, this moon marks the time of year when Indigenous groups stock up on food for winter — especially since deer and other prey have fattened up after feasting all summer, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Other cultures have called October’s moon the Falling Leaves Moon and the Freezing Moon. The Hunter’s Moon is generally in October — although once every four years it makes an appearance in November.
Sky watchers across the world will be able to see the enlarged moon — although clouds could play a spoiler for some.
When is the best time to view the Hunter’s Moon?
The moon has appeared enlarged since Tuesday and will continue to appear that way through Friday. The moon will be closest to the Earth at 8:47 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday evening, according to NASA. The moon will be at its fullest on Thursday morning at 7:26 a.m. Eastern time, just as people are leaving for their morning commute.
The moon won’t be the only shining celestial orb in the sky Thursday morning. As the moon sets, the brightest planet in the sky will be the gas giant Jupiter hanging above the southwestern horizon. Mars will hang above the southern horizon.
On Thursday evening, Saturn will illuminate above the southeastern horizon and Venus will lurk above the southwestern horizon. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, the ancient comet that won’t be back for 80,000 years, will also be visible with binoculars or a telescope.
The supermoon series will conclude on Nov. 15 with the Beaver Moon."
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