Full Hunter's Moon to glow in the October sky this weekend

The first full moon of fall will illuminate the night sky this weekend and may even take on an orange, pumpkin-like color when it first peeks above the horizon.

The full moon rising on Sunday night will go by the nickname of the Hunter’s Moon, a name that dates back centuries.

“The Full Hunter’s Moon is one of only two full moon names that is not tied to a specific month,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac explained on their website. “Instead, the Hunter’s Moon relates directly to the Harvest Moon. The first full moon to occur after the Harvest Moon (which is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox) takes on the mantle of 'Hunter’s Moon.'”

This year, the Harvest Moon rose late on Sept. 13 for most of the Americas and early on Sept. 14 for the rest of the globe, about one week before the September equinox.

The origin of the full moon’s nickname is directly related to the fall harvest.

By mid-October, farmers have typically finished harvesting their summer crops, leaving behind open fields where the crops once grew. It is easier for hunters to spot animals, such as deer, in these now open areas.

October’s full moon is also known as the Travel Moon, the Dying Grass Moon, the Seed Moon and the Waking Moon.

Despite these different names, the moon will appear no different than a typical full moon. However, it can sometimes take on an orange or yellow tint when it is near the horizon, before gradually turning white as it climbs higher in the sky.

The different color is caused by light from the moon passing through more of the Earth’s atmosphere as opposed to when it is directly overhead. This is the same reason why there are colorful sunrises and sunsets when the sun is near the horizon.

In 2020, the Hunter’s Moon will gain much attention as it rises on Halloween.

It is rare for a full moon to occur on Halloween, only happening once about every 19 years. It will also be the second full moon of the month, making it a Blue Moon.

The Halloween Hunter’s Moon may add a little extra fright to the spookiest night of the year and will help light the way for trick-or-treaters heading out to collect candy in their neighborhood.