The past few months we’ve been treated to multiple exciting celestial events. A comet shot through the sky, the northern lights appeared as far south as California once again, and now we’re in for another treat. This week, the 3rd supermoon of 2024 will rise over San Francisco. Not only is this a supermoon, it is the brightest of the year, albeit by a small margin. This month’s full moon, often called the Hunter’s moon, will appear full beginning Tuesday night through Friday. The supermoon will reach it’s peak on October 17 at 4:26 am PST.
Why is this full moon called the Hunter’s Moon?
According to NASA, the first written record of the name goes back to 1710 in the Oxford English Dictionary. The Farmer’s Almanac states the moon signals that after crops have been harvested and it’s time to start hunting.
What is a supermoon?
“Supermoon”, an unofficial name, refer sto moons that are at their closest point of orbit to the Earth when they are full. The result is a full moon that appears larger and brighter than at other points in it’s orbit. This year has four consecutive supermoons, this month’s is the third of four. It is also the largest and brightest of the four.
How to see the supermoon in SF
Seeing the supermoon this week mostly depends on the weather. Luckily, the forecast so far shows clear skies that are perfect for spotting the supermoon this week. If the clouds do allow for viewing, we recommend checking out a local park or beach to see the moon. Twin Peaks, Alamo Square Park, and Alta Plaza Park all over high vantage points to admire the city while stargazing.
If you don’t get the chance to see this supermoon, there is still one more for the year, but we definitely recommend keeping an eye out for this one since it will be the brightest of the year.