In pictures: Hunter's Moon lights up the sky

18 October 2024

Skip image gallery

Image source, James Darby
Image caption,
On 19 October, the Moon will be visible beneath the Pleiades star cluster, creating a stunning sight for eager stargazers
Image source, Morseyboy/Weatherwatchers
Image caption,
The Hunter's Moon was the third of four supermoons in 2024
Image source, Jeff/WeatherWatchers
Image caption,
This is the brightest supermoon of the year
Image source, Nadezna/WeatherWatchers
Image caption,
The Hunter's supermoon can appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full moons because of its orbital path
Image source, Stuart Baldwin
Image caption,
The "Moon illusion" tricks the eye into thinking the Moon is larger when we see it with a foreground of buildings, trees or hills
Image source, Nadezna/WeatherWatchers
Image caption,
The Moon reached its peak at midday on Wednesday but was not visible beneath the horizon in the UK until about 18:00 BST
Image source, Philip Wilson
Image caption,
This shot of the supermoon was taken near the Fishguard North Breakwater Lighthouse by Dinas Island

Last night the Hunter's Moon - the brightest supermoon of the year - lit up the sky and keen photographers were out in force to capture it.

October's full moon is known as the Hunter's Moon as it is the time of year when ancient communities would increase hunting to prepare for winter.

A supermoon happens when the Moon, which follows an elliptical (oval) orbit around Earth, is at its closest point to our planet.

If this coincides with a full Moon, we see a supermoon, making the Moon appear larger.

Do not worry if you missed it, the supermoon will still be visible for the next two nights.

Related topics