The night sky is going to be a spectacular sight this week. The Hunter’s Moon, the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, will rise on Thursday, October 17. The full moon, in addition to being larger and brighter than usual, also holds significance in cultures and festivals.
hunter’s moon
Hunter’s Moon, traditionally the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, was named by early English and American farmers for the time when fields were empty of harvest and hunting became easier. The moon will reach its peak at 7:26 a.m. EDT (4:56 p.m. IST) on Thursday, NASA reports, but you can expect to see it at its fullest from Tuesday evening to Friday morning.
On Wednesday, October 16, just one day before the full moon, the Moon will reach perigee, the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth.
Why does the Moon appear brighter during a supermoon?
The Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical – oval shaped – which places it at different distances from the planet, depending on the time of the month and its location on that orbital path. According to NASA, the distances range from about 226,000 miles to 251,000 miles.
when and where to watch
The best time to view this supermoon is just after sunset when it hovers well below the horizon. The moon will be visible around the world, but timing will vary depending on your location.
For India, the supermoon will reach its peak at 4:56 pm IST on Thursday, October 17, and will be visible in the evenings from October 15 to October 18. Stargazers in New Zealand and areas east of the International Date Line will get to enjoy the supermoon on the morning of Friday, October 18, while those in the western United States will see the full moon late on Wednesday, October 16.
The moon will appear full for about three days.
Cultural significance of supermoon
This October supermoon holds significant meaning in all cultures:
- For Hindus, this full moon is celebrated as Sharad Purnima, a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon and is dedicated to the moon deity.
- For Buddhists, it marks the end of the three-month Vasa, or Buddhist Lent, celebrated during the rainy season.
- In Judaism, this full moon coincides with the beginning of Sukkot, a week-long festival that marks the harvest and the Israelites’ journey into the wilderness.
- In Myanmar, it is celebrated with the Thadingyut Festival of Lights, a celebration to welcome the return of the Buddha from heaven.
This October the Hunter Moon will provide the biggest and brightest show of the year, making it a must-see for skywatchers.
