This week, the night sky is set to dazzle with a spectacular display. The Hunter’s Moon, the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, will rise on Thursday, October 17. This full Moon will not only appear larger and brighter than usual but also carries cultural significance and is celebrated in various festivals.

Hunter’s moon

The Hunter’s Moon, traditionally the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, was named by early English and American farmers due to the clear fields that made hunting easier. It will reach its peak at 7:26 AM EDT (4:56 PM IST) on Thursday, but NASA reports that it will appear full from Tuesday evening through Friday morning.

Additionally, just a day before the full moon, on Wednesday, October 16, the Moon will reach its 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, or oval-shaped, causing it to be at varying distances from the planet throughout the month, depending on its position in that orbital path. According to NASA, these distances range from approximately 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 rises low above the horizon. While the Moon will be visible worldwide, the timing will vary based on your location.

In 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 through October 18. Stargazers in New Zealand and regions east of the International Date Line will enjoy the supermoon early on Friday, October 18, while those in the western United States will see the full moon late on Wednesday night, October 16.

The Moon will appear full for about three days.

Cultural significance

This October supermoon holds significant meaning across various cultures:

For Hindus, it is celebrated as Sharad Purnima, a harvest festival marking the end of the monsoon season and dedicated to the moon god.
For Buddhists, it signifies the conclusion of the three-month Vassa, or Buddhist Lent, which is observed during the rainy season.
In Judaism, this full moon aligns with the beginning of Sukkot, a week-long festival that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness.
In Myanmar, it coincides with the Thadingyut Festival of Lights, a celebration welcoming the Buddha’s return from heaven.

This October, the Hunter’s Moon will deliver the most spectacular and luminous display of the year, making it a must-see event for skywatchers.

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