According to NASA, the next full moon, which will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:26 a.m. EDT, is significant both celestially and culturally.
Traditionally, hunters would chase animals across fields that had been cleared of crops during the Hunter’s Moon, which is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon.
Originating in 1710, the name “Hunter’s Moon” refers to the hunting preparations for winter, when it is easier to notice animals like deer.
A hunter’s moon and a supermoon
This full moon will appear somewhat brighter and larger than normal because it is also a supermoon, the third of four in a row. The Moon will be full for those in North America from Tuesday night until Friday morning. The Algonquin tribes have also given it names that represent the changing of the seasons and winter preparations, such as the Travel Moon, the Dying Grass Moon, and the Sanguine or Blood Moon.
The Blood Moon is connected to hunting in some interpretations, while the color changes of fall plants and leaves are linked to it in others.
The full moon in October
The full moon in October has great cultural and religious significance. Sukkoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Ingathering, is a holiday in Judaism that commemorates the harvest and the Israelites’ wilderness refuge.
October 16 at sundown marks the start of Sukkoth, which ends on October 23. Sharad Purnima, a harvest festival observed in many ways throughout India, is what this is for Hindus. The festival’s regional diversity is reflected in names like Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima, and Navanna Purnima, which are associated with offerings and moon worship.
The three-month monastic retreat known as Vassa, or Buddhist Lent, comes to an end for Buddhists on the full moon. Vassa comes to an end on Pavarana Day, which is celebrated with celebrations and rituals. This full moon also falls on the dates of the Phaung Daw U Pagoda Festival and the Thadingyut Festival of Lights in Myanmar. The Vap Poya marks the beginning of the Kathina season in Sri Lanka, when monks are offered new garments.
Highlights of astronomy
The October 2024 full moon has cultural significance, but it also presents fascinating astronomical happenings. The Orionids, which peak on October 21, are one of five meteor showers that could be seen at this time, along with two comets, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) and C/2024 S1 (ATLAS). This is a great time to observe the stars and use a telescope because Saturn will be clearly visible in the evening sky.
The full moon is the ideal time of year to enjoy the many cultural festivities associated with this unique season as well as the cosmic splendor of autumn.
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