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The full moon of October is traditionally known as a “Hunters Moon”.
Credit: David Haworth/stargazing.net
The hunter's moon has long been regarded as a significant event in traditional folklore, and a subject of interest for astronomers.
Also known as a sanguine or "blood" moon, the term "hunters moon" is used traditionally to refer to a full moon that appears during the month of October. It is preceded by the appearance of a "harvest moon", which is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox (which falls on the 22nd or 23rd of September).
The hunter's moon typically appears in October, except once every four years when it doesn't appear until November.
The name dates back to the First Nations of North America. It is so-called because it was during the month of October, when the deer had fatted themselves over the course of the summer, that hunters tracked and killed prey by autumn moonlight, stockpiling food for the coming winter.
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Full moon rising over northwest Georgia on June 22nd, 2013. Credit: Stephen Rahn.
Characteristics:
Although typically the moon rises 50 minutes later each day, things are different for the hunter's moon (as well as the harvest moon). Both of these moons usually rise 30 minutes later on each successive night, which means that sunset and moonrise are not far apart.
This means there is prolonged periods of light during this time of the year, which is the reason why these moons have traditionally been used by hunters and farmers to finish their work.
This difference between the timing of the sunset and moonrise is due to its orbit, meaning that the angle the moon makes with the horizon is narrower during this time of year.
The hunter's moon is generally not bigger or brighter than any of the other full moons. Thus, the only difference between it and other full moons is the that the time between sunset and moonrise is shorter.
History:
Because the approach of winter signaled the possibility of going hungry in pre-Industrial times, the hunter's moon was generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both northern Europe and among many Native American tribes.
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