We have a Hunter’s Moon coming up on Sunday, October 13. As most everyone knows, the full moons of the year all have names associated with them. This one, the Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon following the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon, of course, is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. So the Hunter’s Moon usually occurs in October, but because of differences in the timing of the Harvest Moon, it occasionally occurs in November.
As the name implies, the Hunter’s Moon is a reference to this being hunting time. Time to get some game in the larder before winter set in. And of course, the extra light provides some much-needed time to accomplish that task. This moon (that follows the Harvest Moon) has also been designated the Blood Moon (not to be confused with the modern usage of the term referring to a full moon during a total lunar eclipse). It is perhaps a reference to the fall colors, probably maples. The moon has also been designated as the Dying Grass Moon and Traveling Moon. No doubt there are others. It seems that many, probably most cultures have some name associated with all of the full moons.
The Hunter’s Moon will rise around sunset and set the following morning around sunrise. And of course the “moon illusion” is in effect. You may recall that full moons near the horizon appear larger than when further up in the sky.
Both the Harvest Moon and Hunter’s Moon are a little different than the other full moons, because rather than rising around 50 minutes later each day, these moons rise about 30 minutes later each day. It is a function of the moon’s orbit. So both the hunters and farmers have a little extra light to get their day’s work done.
If the sky is clear Sunday night, make a point of getting out to observe the Hunter’s Moon. Plus a few days earlier or later should be good moon watching as well. And as long as you are looking skyward, now might be a time to do a little star gazing during the nighttime hours as well.
~Chuck Lura
