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 illumination on Thursday, October 17th, at 7:26 a.m. EDT (4:56 p.m. IST). According to NASA, while the moon will be at its brightest at this time, you can expect to witness its beauty from Tuesday evening through Friday morning. For those who enjoy observing celestial events, this moon promises to be a stunning sight.

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

What Is the Hunter’s Moon? 

The Hunter’s Moon is a supermoon that occurs after the Harvest Moon, which is a supermoon closest to the autumnal equinox. The term “Hunter’s Moon” has historical significance, with its earliest known 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. This increased luminosity and earlier rising time provide more light just after sunset, which is particularly beneficial for hunters. The phenomenon occurs because the moon's orbit is nearly parallel to the horizon during this time, resulting in only a short gap between moonrise and sunset. 

Typically, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. However, the Hunter’s Moon, along with the Harvest Moon, behaves differently. Both of these moons usually rise around 30 minutes later on each successive night. This means that the sunset and moonrise occur close together, allowing for extended twilight and additional illumination during the early evening hours. 

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Why Is It Called the Hunter’s Moon? 

The name "Hunter’s Moon" is directly tied to the tradition of hunting in preparation for the winter months. The origin of the name comes from historical agricultural and hunting practices observed in many cultures, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time of year, following the Harvest Moon, the fields have already been cleared of crops. As a result, game animals, such as deer, venture out to forage for food in the open spaces left behind, making them easier targets for hunters. 

This period was considered the ideal time for hunting, as the bright light of the Hunter’s Moon extends the hours available for hunting after sunset. The Maine Farmer's Almanac played a significant role in popularizing the name; it first published Native American names for the full moons in the 1930s. Over time, these names, including Hunter's Moon, have gained widespread recognition and usage, reflecting their cultural and historical significance. 

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Viewing the Hunter’s Moon 

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

 While the moon will reach its peak at 7:26 a.m. EDT (4:56 p.m. IST) on Thursday, it will appear nearly full from Tuesday evening through Friday morning, offering several opportunities for moon-gazing. 

This is the third of four straight supermoons. The next Beaver moon, the final supermoon of the year, will occur on 15 November 2024.

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