October’s full moon is biggest and brightest of the year

The Hunter’s Moon is hanging heavy in the October sky. If the full moon is looking extra-large, it’s because it is supersized this month.

The Hunter’s Moon is the third of four supermoons in 2024, and it is the largest moon of the set. The full moon peaked at 6:26 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Despite the near-daytime peak, the moon will be considered 100% illuminated overnight Wednesday.

NASA says a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides when it’s closest to the Earth during its orbit (also known as perigee). During a supermoon, the moon is closest to the Earth. Supermoons always happen in sets, usually three to four times a year.

Compared to an average full moon, a supermoon is 7% larger and up to 30% brighter.

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