What is the Hunter's Moon?
The Hunter's Moon is the name given to the October full moon in the Northern Hemisphere. It follows the Harvest Moon and sits near the start of autumn. It is known for lasting a long time in the sky and for looking orange or reddish when low on the horizon.
Why it's in the news
The October full moon peaked on Monday, Oct. 26, and was seen glowing orange in skies across the world. Photographs from several cities showed the moon rising and setting under clear weather.
- October Hunter Moon — October full moon peaks Monday, glowing orange across the world
Background
["The name belongs to a tradition of naming each month's full moon after seasonal events in nature. Several names are used for this moon, and the Hunter's Moon is rooted in old customs of the Northern Hemisphere. Its light was useful to hunters, who could track game for longer into the evening while the fields were cleared and deer and other wildlife were easier to spot.\n\nThe 2026 Hunter's Moon reached peak brightness just after midnight on Monday, Oct. 26, in Eastern time. In Western time zones, the peak came on the evening of Oct. 25, near 9 p.m. Pacific time. Forecasters said the best view would come near sunset, when the moon rises low and takes on an orange or reddish color. The moon remains close to full for a day or two after the peak, so it can still be seen on the following evenings.\n\nThis full moon is the first one after the Harvest Moon and falls closest to the autumn equinox. Recent photographs from San Francisco, Manhattan, Istanbul and Baghdad showed the moon rising and setting over cities under clear skies. The next two full moons, the Beaver Moon and the Cold Moon, are expected to appear as back-to-back supermoons."]
Sources
- BBCStunning photos capture October's Hunter's Moon around the world
- USA TODAY 10BESTTonight's Hunter's Moon will glow orange for a spooky October sky
- ForbesThe ‘Hunter’s Moon’ Is About To Meet The ‘Seven Sisters’
- The Boston GlobeHere’s what to know about tonight’s Hunter’s Moon
- WBAL-TVClear tonight for the full moon over Baltimore
- WBKOHunter's moon