You may want to look up into the sky this weekend as the moon is set to look much bigger and brighter than usual. The full moon – known this time around as the Hunter’s Moon – will rise on 9 October 2022 and will be visible all night in the UK and across the northern hemisphere.
Here’s everything you need to know – and when you can see it this week.
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What is the Hunter’s Moon?
The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon of October, following September’s Harvest Moon. October is traditionally the month when game was fattened as people began to prepare food for the winter. This would also include hunting and preserving meats to consume during the colder months.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Hunter Moon?
Apparently, the Hunter’s Moon should help you activate your ‘inner warrior’ – hey, stop laughing at the back! – as we prepare to go into the darker half of the year.
How can I see the October 2022 full moon in the UK?
When the sun sets in the UK at 6.20pm on Sunday October 9, the moon will rise into a gradually darkening sky. There should be good visibility across the UK, despite light cloud cover.
If weather spoils the occasion, or you miss the full Hunter’s Moon at its peak, it will also appear full throughout the night. In other words, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to see Hunter’s Moon peeking out from behind some patchy clouds at some point.
What time is best?
The Hunter’s moon will reach peak illumination at 9.54pm on Sunday October 9. It will rise at 6.28pm and set the following morning at 7.43am. So we recommend finding a spot with a clear view from 8pm to catch the show.
How much brighter is the moon during a full moon?
When the Earth is at the closest point in its orbit to the sun, the sunlight that reflects off the moon is slightly more intense, causing the full moon to appear brighter. In comparison to a half moon, a full moon is apparently around six times brighter.
When is the next full moon?
The Beaver Moon will appear on November 8 2022. It is named after beavers building winter dams. It is also known as the Frost Moon and Mourning Moon, depending on the progress of the winter solstice.
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