The biggest supermoon of 2024 rises this week. What you should know: NBC Chicago

The Hunter’s Supermoon, the largest full moon of 2024, will rise into the sky later this week, occurring just hours after the moon’s closest approach to Earth.

Here’s what you need to know about this month’s full moon and what makes it so unique.

When does the full moon occur this month?

According to NASA, October’s full moon will officially occur on Thursday at 6:26 a.m., meaning Wednesday evening’s moon will be the closest to the full moon that will be visible in North America.

What makes this month’s “supermoon” so special?

According to NASA scientists, the moon will reach perigee, its closest point to Earth in its orbit around the planet, on Wednesday night.

About 11 hours later, the full moon will occur at about 6:26 a.m. Thursday, making the moon appear brighter and larger than normal.

What is a “supermoon”?

According to experts, a “supermoon” occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. According to NASA, this distance is approximately 221,938 miles.

A “supermoon” appears slightly larger and significantly brighter in the sky than a moon at apogee, i.e. at the point in its orbit furthest away from Earth. According to the Adler Planetarium, a “supermoon” can appear up to 30% brighter and 15% larger than a “micromoon.”

This month’s “supermoon” is one of four consecutive events Earth is experiencing, but ultimately it will be next in calendar year 2024.

Where does the name “Hunter’s Moon” come from?

According to the Royal Museum Greenwich, the “Hunter’s Moon” was so named by Native Americans because it provides hunters with longer periods of night to hunt prey during the autumn months.

Other cultures have called the moon the “Journey Moon” and the “Moon of the Dying Grass,” according to the website.

Will the weather cooperate in the Chicago area?

While lake-effect showers have hit the area in recent days, this system is expected to move out of the area by Wednesday morning, potentially paving the way for a good view of the full moon.