Lunar lovers can enjoy a supersized celestial display midway through the spookiest month of the year.
The full hunter moon will reach maximum fullness in Metro Vancouver on Oct. 17 at 4:26 a.m., according to timeanddate.com.
October's full moon derived its name because it occurred when people hunted in preparation for winter. It is also referred to as the Sanguine or Blood Moon, "either associated with the blood from hunting or the turning of the leaves in autumn." The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that Native peoples would give distinctive names to each reoccurring full moon to mark the change of seasons.
This year's lunar offering will look particularly big due to its proximity to Earth. The 2024 full hunter moon is considered a "supermoon" because it will look roughly 15 per cent brighter and seven per cent bigger than a regular moon.
EarthSky notes that astronomers usually refer to supermoons as perigean full moons, a term that simply refers to the moon being "near earth."
The hunter moon is the fourth and final full moon of the year and will appear the largest because of its proximity to Earth (provided the Metro Vancouver weather forecast shows clear conditions).
Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes shows when the sky may clear to determine the ideal aurora-viewing conditions.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
