Halloween is probably the most awaited, spooky holiday of the year, as people choose their costumes ahead while children wait to pile up their candy collection.
On the other hand, many people look forward to a rare event where they hope to see a full moon on Halloween. So, will there be a full moon this Halloween?
No. There won’t be a full moon for Halloween 2023 because it is a rare event that only happens once in two decades, and the last Halloween full moon appeared in 2020, so we won’t be having one until 2039. However, there is a full moon, also known as Hunter’s Moon, on October 28, 2023.
What Is a Hunter’s Moon?
Hunter’s Moon originates from ancient times and is known as the first full moon after the harvest moon. In the old days, hunters used to prepare enough harvest to last for cold months ahead.
While the farmers reaped the fields for food, hunters ventured into the forests even during the night with the help of moonlight to hunt for deer and other animals to secure food to last them for a few months.
Will There Be a Full Moon in October 2023?
This October will see a rare full moon known as Hunter’s Moon, which only appears once a year in any of the months, including September, October, and November, and this time, it will appear on October 28, 2023.
According to the experts at NASA, this full moon is also a partial lunar eclipse as the Moon, Sun, and Earth have all partially aligned, resulting in the Moon passing over Earth’s shadow.
During this full moon phase, the Moon apparently resides on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun and rises when the Sun sets and appears complete for two days.
If you don’t want to miss this full moon, mainly because it is rare due to its significance of being Hunter’s Moon, make sure you gaze up at the sky this Saturday.
The moon will shine brightest during the early evening and rise around 6:40 p.m. for the regions based on the Indianapolis time zone.
Is There a Full Moon on Halloween 2023?
While the appearance of a full moon is not as rare, given there are 12 full moons corresponding to each month, it is incredibly rare to have a full moon on the day of Halloween.
Unfortunately, this Halloween isn’t as lucky to have a full moon because throughout history, a full moon on Halloween only appears every 18 to 19 years, and the last one was in 2020.
So, the next expected full moon on Halloween will be in the year 2039, followed by 2058, 2077, and 2096. That being said, there are two more full moons before the end of 2023.
Following Hunter’s Moon, which can be spotted on October 28 and October 29, depending on the region, November 27 will see a full moon known as Beaver Moon, and December 26 will also see one named The Cold Moon.
Since you have to wait for an entire year, make sure to watch the Hunter’s Moon on October 28 and celebrate Halloween wholeheartedly on October 31, 2023.
So, were you looking forward to viewing a full moon this Halloween? Are you excited to watch the Hunter’s Moon?
Source: NASA
