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Hunter's Moon Lights Up Autumn Nights Around the World

This October, the Hunter's Moon glowed over cities and countryside alike, offering spectacular light for stargazers globally.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
A large, glowing white moon rises above blue clouds, a plane flying alongside it near San Francisco Bay
A large, glowing white moon rises above blue clouds, a plane flying alongside it near San Francisco Bay (Plane passengers enjoy a spectacular view of the Hunter's Moon over San Francisco Bay, USA)

In brief

The full Moon that fell on the first weekend of October, known as the Hunter's Moon, painted autumn skies in a striking glow. Astronomers and lay‑people alike noted its long-lasting presence in the sky, giving hunters in the Northern Hemisphere extra light after the Harvest Moon. Around the world—from a plane over San Francisco Bay to the misty hills of Derbyshire, New York City streets, Istanbul’s Galata Tower and the calm villages of Dorset—people captured the moon’s luminous beauty. The tradition dates back to early settlers who named the moon for its role in marking the time for hunting and harvest. These images showcase the global reach of the event and invite viewers to share their own night‑time photographs in real‑time chat with fellow sky‑watchers.

The October full Moon lit up the skies around the world this weekend.

The Hunter's Moon, a term that has been in use for centuries, refers to the first full Moon after the Harvest Moon. It strikes late in the evening and can seem to linger, giving opportunities for night‑time observation and photography.

In the United Kingdom, the moon was seen over the pastoral landscapes of Derbyshire, the bustling streets of New York City, and the historic village of Dorset, capturing a range of settings from urban to rural.

A very large moon over trees and shrubs in England
The Hunter's Moon over Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire, UK

In the U.S., New York City’s skyline provided a dramatic backdrop, with towers and skyscrapers silhouetted against the glowing globe. Istanbul’s historic Galata Tower gleamed against a bruised orange night sky.

Full moon rises over New York City skyline including the Chrysler Building
Hunter's Moon rises behind the Midtown Manhattan skyline, US
Orange full Moon above Istanbul’s Galata Tower
Full Moon glowing over Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey

Even in the Middle East, the Moon stole the spotlight over Baghdad’s Firdous Square, with the iconic mosque dome providing a striking silhouette.

Full Moon next to the 17 Ramadan Mosque in Baghdad
Moonrise in Baghdad’s Firdous Square, Iraq

While the Hunter's Moon was around the calendar, the global community online shared their shots in real‑time chat, turning the sky into a shared canvas. If you have a photo of the harvest harvest moon or any autumn celestial event, join the conversation and connect instantly with fellow enthusiasts.

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