What is the hunter's moon, and when is the best time to see it in New Jersey?

The next full moon, called the hunter's moon, will rise on Thursday at 7:26 a.m.

This will also be the third of four consecutive supermoons, NASA said, which will make the moon appear slightly larger and brighter. By a small margin, it is expected to be the brightest supermoon of the year.

What is the hunter's moon?

"Hunter's moon" refers to the full moon that comes after the harvest moon, the closest full moon to the autumn equinox. Historically, this moon signaled the time for hunters to prepare for winter by stalking game in the early hours, aided by the bright moonlight.

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When is the best time to view the hunter's moon?

A full moon is most striking when it rises on the eastern horizon just after sunset in the west. It will appear larger than usual, with a soft, warm orange hue. The optimal time to view it is a few minutes after moonrise. In New Jersey, the sun sets at 6:18 p.m.

Forecast for viewing of hunter's moon

The weather is expected to be in the lower 60s during the day and drop to the 40s at night. The sky is expected to be clear for perfect viewing.

When do supermoons occur?

Supermoons occur when a full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger than usual. Although the difference is subtle, it can create a striking visual spectacle.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What is the hunter's moon, and when is the best time to see it in New Jersey?