Moon-struck: Why the Hunter's Moon is a must-watch event

Keep your gaze along the horizon at dusk to witness a lunar spectacle like no other on October 17. The brightest and closest supermoon of the year is about to loom large in the autumn sky.

With its rich cultural history, astrological significance, and captivating visual, this October supermoon known as ‘Hunter Moon’ is set to be a highlight of 2024’s lunar events.

So, what makes it so special, and when is the best time to see it? Here’s what we know

But first, what happens during a supermoon?

The term “supermoon” refers to the moon when it is closer to Earth than usual. This lunar event happens several times in each lunar cycle due to the moon’s elliptical orbit, causing it to vary in distance from our planet.

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Along the lunar orbital path, the point of closest proximity is known as perigee, which is when the moon is, on average, 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) from Earth. When a full moon phase coincides with a perigee, a supermoon event occurs.

Skywatchers can witness up to four supermoons every year. And, like clockwork, they always happen one after another and roughly 29.5 days apart. The last supermoon happened on September 22.

During a supermoon, the silver orb may appear up to 8 per cent larger and 16 per cent brighter than a typical full moon, according to EarthSky.

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However, Dr Robin L Shelton, a physics professor at the University of Georgia, explained to CNN, that October’s moon isn’t inherently larger or brighter; it may just appear so because it’s viewed near the horizon shortly after sunset.

Why the name Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon refers to the first full moon of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

Following the Harvest Moon, which aids farmers in gathering their crops, the Hunter’s Moon marks the period when hunters can more easily track animals. As fields clear and leaves fall from trees, hunting becomes essential in preparation for winter, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Hence, it also has the name Falling Leaves Moon and the Freezing Moon in various cultures. It’s also known as the Blood Moon, owing to the autumn landscape’s reddish hue.

While many associate the Hunter’s Moon with an orange appearance at rise, this effect can be observed with all full moons. Shelton clarified to CNN that this colour is an optical effect, resulting from light passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

As per NASA, the Hunter’s Moon is the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. The final supermoon, the Beaver Moon, will appear on November 15 but will not match the Hunter’s Moon in size or brightness.

This falling leaves moon is expected to share the night sky with Jupiter, the red giant star Aldebaran, and the Pleiades star cluster, offering a stunning celestial display that may be visible until dawn, depending on the location, per EarthSky.

What is the best time to view Hunter’s Moon?

According to NASA, New Zealand and regions east of the International Date Line will be among the first to observe this supermoon, while viewers in the western United States will catch it later on October 16.

As per Times Now, the Hunter’s Moon will be best viewed in India shortly after sunset, appearing low on the horizon from October 15 to 18.

The ideal moment to experience the supermoon is today, October 17, 2024, at 4:56 PM IST. Stargazers in Indian cities can anticipate a remarkable celestial show, as the moon will remain full for three consecutive nights.

With input from agencies