Full Hunter’s Moon Will Brighten October Skies: When To Watch

EDT, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. But the publication recommends heading outside Sunday evening, Oct. 25, around sunset for the best moonrise viewing opportunity.

Find an open spot with a clear view toward the eastern horizon. Buildings, trees, and hills can block the moon while it is still low. No telescope is needed.

Weather permitting, the moon will appear full throughout the night and nearly full on the surrounding evenings, giving viewers another opportunity on Oct. 26. That means the precise peak is a calendar marker, rather than a brief viewing window that disappears within minutes.

The rising moon may look especially dramatic, with a yellow or orange tint. Its light passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing warmer colors to stand out. It can also seem unusually large.

NASA explains that this apparent enlargement is a visual illusion, rather than the atmosphere magnifying the moon. Despite claims that October begins a run of three supermoons, NASA’s supermoon calendar lists the remaining events for November and December. October’s full moon is not included.

According to the Almanac, the Hunter’s Moon follows the Harvest Moon. Its traditional name connects the lunar cycle with preparations for winter, when open fields and extra evening light helped hunters spot animals. The moon will continue brightening late-October nights after its peak.

NASA says it will be in its waning gibbous phase heading toward Halloween, with the illuminated portion gradually shrinking. For an easy viewing plan, start with Sunday sunset, check local cloud cover, and keep Monday evening available as another opportunity. Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.