The largest full moon of 2024, also known as the Hunter’s Supermoon, is set to grace our skies this week. Discover how to best observe this celestial event and the unique tidal effects it will bring. Learn about the fascinating science behind supermoons and how they compare to the rare micro moon. Explore the rich cultural significance of this full moon and its connection to ancient Native American traditions.
Unveiling the Splendor of the Hunter’s Supermoon
The Hunter’s Supermoon, the largest full moon of 2024, is set to rise this week, offering a breathtaking celestial display. On Thursday, October 17th, at 7:26 a.m. EDT, the moon will officially reach its full phase. But the true spectacle will occur just 11 hours earlier, on Wednesday evening, October 16th, when the moon arrives at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee.
This unique alignment of the full moon and perigee will result in a 14% brighter-than-average full moon, accompanied by unusually high and low tides later in the week. The term ‘supermoon’ is used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, as defined by Dr. Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist and eclipse expert.
According to Dr. Espenak, there are four supermoons in 2024, but this week’s event is the one where the full moon and perigee coincide most closely. In contrast, on April 13, 2025, the full moon will closely align with apogee, the moon’s farthest point from Earth, resulting in a smaller, or ‘micro moon’ appearance.
Decoding the Tidal Mysteries of the Hunter’s Supermoon
The Hunter’s Supermoon will have a significant impact on the tides, with both unusually high and low tides expected later this week and into the start of the weekend. This phenomenon is due to the moon’s proximity to Earth during this full moon phase.
Tidal forces vary inversely with the cube of an object’s distance, meaning that the closer the moon is to Earth, the stronger its gravitational pull. This month, the moon is 12.2% closer at perigee than at apogee, resulting in a 42% increase in tidal force compared to the ‘micro moon’ that will occur next April.
However, it’s important to note that the highest tides will not coincide with the perigee moon, but may lag by up to several days, depending on the specific coastal location. For example, at Boston Harbor, a peak tide height of 12.0 feet is expected on Friday, almost 2 days after perigee, while at Cape Fear, North Carolina, the highest tide of 6.8 feet will be reached on Saturday morning.
Coastal storms around this time could exacerbate flooding issues, as the increased tidal forces will amplify the effects of any low-pressure systems or storm surges. It’s crucial for residents in coastal areas to stay informed and prepared for the potential impact of the Hunter’s Supermoon and its associated tidal extremes.
The spring tides, which occur during full and new moons when the sun and moon’s gravitational pulls are aligned, will also be more pronounced during this supermoon event. In contrast, the neap tides, which happen at the first and last quarter moons when the sun and moon’s pulls work against each other, will be less pronounced.
Exploring the Cultural Significance of the Hunter’s Supermoon
The Hunter’s Supermoon holds deep cultural significance, particularly for Native American communities. The October full moon was traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon, as it coincided with the time of year when the leaves were falling, and the deer were fattened, making it an optimal time for hunting.
With the fields recently harvested, hunters could more easily spot and catch foxes and other animals that had come out to feed, providing a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. The bright Hunter’s Supermoon would have aided these hunting efforts, as the increased moonlight allowed hunters to navigate the stubble-filled fields more easily.
This cultural connection to the land and the rhythms of nature is a testament to the deep understanding and respect that Native American communities have long held for their environment. The Hunter’s Supermoon serves as a reminder of this rich heritage and the enduring significance of celestial events in traditional cultures.
Today, the Hunter’s Supermoon continues to captivate stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient rhythms of the Earth and the cosmos. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, this celestial event is sure to leave a lasting impression.
