Hunter's moon peaks Monday with Saturn close behind
October's full moon reaches peak brightness Monday at 12:12 a.m. ET, with Saturn visible just degrees south.
October's full moon will rise early this weekend and appear particularly bright and orange as it hangs lower on the horizon. The orange tint comes from moonlight passing through thicker air, which blocks blue wavelengths and lets orange and red shine through, the same effect that makes sunsets red.
The hunter's moon earned its name because Native Americans once used its bright light to hunt active animals and prepare food for winter. The hunter's moon follows September's harvest moon.
On Sunday night, Saturn will sit just a few degrees south of the moon, appearing gold. The moon's brightness may make Saturn hard to spot, so search carefully.
Peak illumination hits Monday at 12:12 a.m. ET, but the moon will look full all weekend.
Find a spot clear of trees and buildings for the best view, you need only clear eyes and clear skies.
- 12:12 a.m. ET, Monday October 26
- Peak time
- Few degrees south of the moon
- Saturn position
Why it mattersA rare chance to see Saturn near the full moon, and to learn why the moon changes colour through the year.
AustraliaAustralians can follow the same event, though timing differs in the Southern Hemisphere. Check your local sky-gazing guide for the best viewing window in your state.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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