September 24th 2024.
Attention all skygazers in the UK! The coming weeks are going to be a real treat for us, as the ‘Hunter’s Moon’ will be shining bright in the night sky. This October full moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon, as it marks the start of autumn in the northern hemisphere. And this time, it's going to be even more special because it's a supermoon, a rare occurrence that only happens three or four times a year.
So what exactly is a supermoon? Well, it's when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. And this Harvest Moon will be the closest and brightest of them all, at a distance of 222,095 miles. How amazing is that? As long as the weather cooperates, everyone in the UK should be able to witness this incredible sight for three consecutive nights.
Now, let's talk about the origin of the Hunter's Moon. As its name suggests, it signifies the perfect time for tribes to hunt game and prepare for the upcoming winter months. So when exactly can we expect to see this magnificent moon? The Hunter's Moon will grace our skies on Thursday, October 17, and will be most visible at around 5:56 pm in the UK. And here's something even more exciting - you'll be able to catch a glimpse of this full moon during the daytime too, when it reaches its peak.
But wait, there's more! After this Hunter's Moon, the next full moon will be the Beaver Moon on November 15. It gets its name from the fact that beavers usually start building dams for the winter during this time. The November full moon is also known as the Frost Moon, as it marks the beginning of winter frosts. And just like the Hunter's Moon, this one will also be a supermoon - the last one of the year and the second-to-last full moon of the year.
Speaking of full moons, they are always a stunning sight to behold. Did you know that each month's full moon has a different name? Here's a schedule for the full moons in 2024: Wolf Moon in January, Snow Moon in February, Worm Moon in March, Pink Moon in April, Flower Moon in May, Strawberry Moon in June, Buck Moon in July, Sturgeon Moon in August, Corn Moon in September, Hunter's Moon in October, Beaver Moon in November, and Cold Moon in December.
Now, let's talk about the effects of a full moon on our bodies. There are many tales and beliefs surrounding this majestic orb in the sky, one of which is that it can affect our moods and behavior. Anecdotally, you'll find numerous accounts of strange and unusual occurrences during a full moon. In fact, astrologers believe that each month's full moon represents a peak of energy with different spiritual meanings. For instance, June's full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, is said to encourage love, purity, and prosperity.
But it turns out that there is some truth to these stories and beliefs. As far back as ancient Greece, people believed that the moon played a significant role in our lives. Aristotle even hypothesized that it was responsible for epilepsy and mental illness. And this belief persisted for centuries, with people thinking that the extra light from the full moon could cause sleep deprivation and lead to strange behavior. Even respected medics were convinced that certain illnesses were worsened by the moon's cycles. In fact, the word "lunatic" originates from the Latin word "lunaticus," meaning "of the moon" or "moonstruck."
But in this modern age, we rely on science and empirical evidence to explain phenomena. And when it comes to the effects of a full moon on us, there is plenty of evidence to show that it can indeed cause strange behavior. Studies have shown a correlation between the lunar phases and incidences of crime, with a significant increase during a full moon. The quality of our sleep is also affected, as proven by a 2013 study that showed a decrease in deep sleep and melatonin levels during a full moon.
Additionally, psychiatrist Thomas Wehr's research on patients with bipolar disorder showed a direct correlation between their mood swings and the moon's phases. However, there is still conflicting information and no concrete explanation for how the moon affects us. Some attribute it to the light, while others point to gravitational pull and magnetic fields. But one thing is for sure, a full moon is a powerful force that can cause strange and unpredictable events.
So, as we get ready to bask in the glow of the Hunter's Moon, let's remember that the moon has a significant impact on our lives, both physically and spiritually. And if you happen to see some strange behavior tonight, you can probably blame it on the moonlight. After all, it's not every day we get to witness a supermoon like this one. So let's enjoy this rare and beautiful phenomenon while it lasts. Do you have any stories or experiences to share about the full moon? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch by emailing us.
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
