PHOENIX — The Hunter’s Moon will take to the sky just in time for Halloween. On Oct. 28, October’s full moon will also be a partial lunar eclipse, according to NASA.
Here’s what you need to know about the Hunter’s Moon.
When is the full moon in October 2023?
The moon will be most visible starting at 7:24 p.m. Arizona time on Saturday. Because the moon will be below the horizon, the best time to watch it is to wait until sunset, so you can see the Hunter’s Moon rise and take its place in the sky.
Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon?
The Hunter’s Moon refers to the full moon following the Harvest Moon in October 2023. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the name originates from hunters preparing for winter and animals beginning to “fatten up” prior to the cold weather.
And Jupiter is in all of this too, right?
Yes! Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system and second brightest “star” in the night sky, will be visible during the Harvest Moon, too. The planet will also be very close to the Earth, according to Earth Sky Communications Inc.
Is Saturday’s Harvest Moon also an eclipse?
Yes it is, but unfortunately for Arizonans and the rest of the U.S., we won’t be treated to a view of the partial lunar eclipse. Those in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia could see a partial lunar eclipse, but according to NASA scientist Noah Petro, it will be very slight.
“This will not be something that people will immediately recognize,” Petro told the Washington Post. “The moon will be passing through a portion of the Earth’s shadow, so it will dim.”
Is it safe to look at the Hunter's Moon?
Yes, it is safe to look at the Hunter's Moon. Unlike the solar eclipse, which graced Arizona skies earlier in October, people stateside will not be able to see the partial lunar eclipse that comes along with the Hunter's Moon. And even if you did, lunar eclipses do not require protective eyewear because you are looking at the moon, not the sun.
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