The October Full Moon is coming soon. Find out the exact date, so you don’t miss the best time to see our natural satellite in all its beauty.
When is the Full Moon in October 2023?
This month, the Full Moon will occur on October 28, at 20:24 GMT (04:24 p.m. EDT). At this time, our natural satellite will lie in the constellation Aries. It will appear full for about three days, so you’ll have plenty of time to walk under the moonlight.
Moon phases in October 2023
- Last Quarter: October 6, 13:47 GMT (09:47 a.m. EDT).
- New Moon: October 14, 17:55 GMT (01:55 p.m. EDT).
- First Quarter: October 22, 03:29 GMT (October 21, 11:29 p.m. EDT).
- Full Moon: October 28, 20:24 GMT (04:24 p.m. EDT).
Moon calendar for October 2023
You can find out the Moon’s phase, brightness, location and other details in the Moon calendar of the Sky Tonight astronomy app. Just open the app, tap the calendar icon at the bottom of the main screen, and go to the “Moon” tab to get all the up-to-date information about our natural satellite. The images of the Moon in the calendar correspond to the actual appearance of the Moon on that day.
What is the Hunter’s Moon?
The Hunter’s Moon is not associated with a particular month. In short, it is the Full Moon that comes right after the Harvest Moon.
Hunter’s Moon and Harvest Moon
You might recall that the Harvest Moon is the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, which comes in September in the Northern Hemisphere and March in the Southern Hemisphere. The Harvest Moon may occur either in September or October (and in March or April in the Southern Hemisphere).
The Hunter’s Moon is the first Full Moon to follow the Harvest Moon. This means it may take place in October or November (in the Southern Hemisphere — in April or May).
Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon?
The farmers had traditionally finished reaping their fields under the light of the Harvest Moon. By the time of the next Full Moon, the fields were clean, so the hunters could easily see the animals prowling in search of food before the winter. Moreover, at this time of the month, the Moon rises at around dusk and sets at around dawn. The moonlight allowed the hunters to track down the prey into the late evening.
When is the next Hunter’s Moon?
In 2023, the Hunter’s Moon in the Northern Hemisphere will take place on October 28, at 20:24 GMT. For the Southern Hemisphere, the date is April 24, 2024, at 23:49 GMT.
October Full Moon alternative names
The October Full Moon that is closer to the autumnal equinox than the September one may be referred to as the Harvest Moon. On average, it happens every three years.
The traditional names used by the Native American tribes are the Migrating Moon (or the Travel Moon — at this time, the birds fly to warmer climes), Freezing Moon (or Ice Moon, because at this time, the first frosts begin), Falling Leaves Moon and Dying Grass Moon.
The other alternative names include:
- Chinese: Kindly Moon
- Wiccan: Blood Moon
- South African: Seed Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Egg Moon, Fish Moon, Pink Moon, Waking Moon
October Blood Moon
Sometimes the October Full Moon is called the Blood Moon, which refers to the hunting season but not to the Moon’s actual color (not to be confused with the Blood Moon that denotes a lunar eclipse).
Red Moon
The October Full Moon might appear red or orange when it’s hanging low above the horizon. At this point, the Moon’s light has to pass through a thicker layer of air. As a result, the blue wavelengths get scattered by the atmosphere, leaving more of the red wavelengths, so the Moon gets an orange or reddish hue. Take our quiz to learn more about the possible colors of the Moon!
Halloween Full Moon
The October Full Moon may occur close to Halloween, which, along with its spooky name, “Blood Moon,” evokes mystical associations. However, the October Blood Moon rarely coincides with Halloween night itself. The next Halloween Blood Moon will occur in 2039.
October Full Moon events
Eclipsed Full Moon
On October 28, at 20:14 GMT (04:14 p.m. EDT), some parts of the world will experience a partial lunar eclipse. A part of the Moon’s surface will be hidden behind the Earth’s shadow, so it may look as if someone “took a bite” out of our Moon. At least a part of the eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica. Learn more about it in our dedicated article.
Other astronomy events near the October Full Moon 2023
- On October 29, the Moon will pass near bright Jupiter in the constellation Aries;
- Next day, on October 30, the Moon will pass near the bright Pleiades cluster. The Moon will be in a waning phase, but will still appear full to the naked eye.
- Around the October Full Moon, you may also spot some meteors of the Orionids, as well as Southern and Northern Taurids. The Full Moon won’t help you see meteors, though — it washes most of them away. To find out when is the best time to observe shooting stars in October, read our dedicated article.
Follow the links for the exact timings and observing tips.
When is the next Full Moon 2023: the Beaver Moon
The November Full Moon, or the Beaver Moon, will occur on November 27, 2023. Check our Full Moon Calendar to learn the dates and traditional names of the next Full Moons.
Full Moon in October 2023: Conclusion
The Full Moon will take place on October 28, at 20:24 GMT. It’s traditionally called the Hunter’s Full Moon, because it marks the perfect time for hunting. This year, some parts of the world will see the partial lunar eclipse during the Hunter’s Moon. Discover more celestial events in our Sky Tonight app and follow us on social media.
We wish you clear skies and successful observations!
Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.
