What is the Hunter’s Moon and can you see it in the UK today?

A full moon will appear across the UK tonight – but will you actually be able to see it?

The October full moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon, as it’s the first full moon of autumn in the northern hemisphere.

The Hunter’s Moon will be particularly special, as it’s the last ordinary full moon before we’re treated to four supermoons, which occur when a full moon is at its closest point in orbit to Earth, therefore appearing even bigger in size.

Provided the weather is clear (which may not be the case thanks to Storm Boleo), people across the country should get a good view of the Hunter’s Moon, as it will hang bright in the sky from tonight until tomorrow morning.

So, what is the Hunter’s Moon and what is the weather forecast for tonight?

What is the best time to see the Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon will be in the skies from tonight until tomorrow morning.

In the UK, it’s expected to be most visible at around 4.12am GMT tomorrow, but it will begin its rise from 4pm tonight, so you don’t need to worry about getting up too early to view it.

How did the Hunter’s Moon get its name?

Like all of the other full moons of the year, the name comes from Native American culture, where the moon was used to mark seasons.

October’s full moon name was earned for being a hunter’s preferred month for hunting deer and fox, with help from the brighter moon that stays in the sky for longer than most others.

However, the Hunter’s Moon is also known by other names, including the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon, although neither is as commonly used as the Hunter’s Moon.

Will we be able to see it?

Unfortunately, Storm Boleo may hinder your chances of seeing the Hunter’s Moon tonight.

This is particularly true in the north, as the Met Office has forecast showers and long spells of rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If you’re located in the south, your chances of seeing the moon are much improved as sunshine has been forecast for much of the day.

Rain has also been forecast for Monday, so chances of viewing the moon tomorrow will be slimmer.

Although disappointing, you may be reassured to discover that there are two more full moons left in the year, so there is still a chance to catch a full moon if you haven’t yet seen one this year.

On November 24, we’ll be treated to the Beaver Moon, and then, a month later on Christmas Eve, the Cold Moon will reach its peak. Both are supermoons and will be followed by two additional supermoons in January and February 2027.

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