New Yorkers Will Get A Treat in The October Sky This Week

As Halloween approaches, the next full moon, the Hunter’s Moon, may take on an orange hue, resembling a glowing jack-o'-lantern. When can you see this special supermoon?

This vibrant color can occur because its light passes through a thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere as the moon rises near the horizon. The atmosphere scatters the shorter blue wavelengths, allowing the longer red and orange hues to dominate.

The Hunter’s Moon, traditionally named by the Algonquin Native American tribes, marks the time for preparing for winter hunts. Its bright illumination helped hunters track prey during autumn. This year, the Hunter's Moon will be the brightest on the evening of Thursday, October 17th.

This will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2024, appearing roughly two hundred and twenty-two thousand miles from Earth. It's the third of four consecutive supermoons, with the Beaver Moon to appear in November.

Other names for the October full moon include the Sanguine or Blood Moon. This year, the moon’s proximity to Halloween adds a special touch of magic, as the potential orange hue makes it an ideal symbol for the spooky season. Whether you admire it for its beauty or its eerie glow, this celestial event promises a striking show in the night sky.