HARRISBURG (TNS) — 2024’s next supermoon will rise this week.
And it’s going to be the closest one of the year.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Hunter’s Moon — which will show its rotund, glowing form starting Thursday — will be “closer to Earth than any of the other full Moons this year” and will be, in fact, be “the closest Supermoon” of 2024.
This proximity is what causes the moon to appear so large, lending to the illusion that the celestial body has grown in size in comparison to your average Joe full moon.
So, how close is “close” with regards to the Hunter’s Moon? About 222,055 miles from our blue planet, meaning this will look like a particularly big boy.
The same Farmer’s Almanac article explains how the Hunter’s Moon received its name due to the time of year it rises.
October is a pretty ideal month to hunt, as the leaves fall and prey like deer become fattened. The moon’s light, too, certainly lends to efficient hunting.
NASA notes that the first time this moon was referenced as such as around 1710.
The Hunter’s Moon will reach its peak at around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, but will remain visible until Friday.
The next and last supermoon of the year will be Nov. 15.