The biggest full moon of the year: Don't miss October's Hunter's Moon

The next celestial event to appear in the sky is just hours away. It will be the biggest full moon of 2024.

This full moon, following the Harvest Moon, is known as the Hunter's Moon and also coincides with a supermoon. According to NASA, it peaks on Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024, at 7:26 a.m. EDT. While appearing full for several days (through Friday morning), the moon will reach its closest point to Earth (perigee) just before rising on Wednesday evening at 8:48 p.m. EDT, as reported by Space.com.

This combination – a full moon and perigee – creates a supermoon, appearing 14% brighter than average.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit brings it closest to Earth during a full moon phase. This makes it appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon, according to NASA. The next supermoon will peak on Nov. 15, 2024.

What is the Hunter's Moon?

The Hunter's Moon is the full moon following the Harvest Moon. It rises around the same time for several nights, providing early light for fall harvests and hunting activities. The Farmer's Almanac explains that the term "Hunter's Moon" refers to the period after leaves have fallen, making prey easier to spot for hunters with the added moonlight.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: When's the next full moon? The biggest of 2024 is a supermoon