When is the next full moon? There will be a Hunter Supermoon in October 2024

Keep looking Iowa, because a full moon is coming just a week after Iowans had a chance to see the Northern Lights.

This week's Hunter's Moon isn't a simple full moon either. It's also a supermoon. Here you should go outside and look up.

More: When is the comet visible? Tips for seeing the 80,000-year-old comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

When is the next full moon?

The upcoming full moon is Thursday, October 17th. Plan to get up early as peak lighting will be at 6:26 a.m. according to the time and date.

Why is it called the Hunter's Moon?

October's full moon is called the Hunter's Moon because of the time of year in which it occurs. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, hunters in the past began gathering and storing food for the winter months.

“Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons,” the almanac says. “The leaves are falling from the trees, the deer are fattening up and it’s time to store meat for the long winter.”

What is a Supermoon?

According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit comes closest to Earth during a full moon. This means that the moon is slightly brighter and larger than a normal full moon.

What is the forecast for the full moon in Des Moines?

Skies are expected to be clear Thursday evening, providing ideal conditions for sky watching. According to the National Weather Service, evening temperatures should be around 50 degrees.

More: Missed the Northern Lights? Here's a gallery from Thursday and tips for watching on Friday

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

When is the next full moon?

Why is it called the Hunter's Moon?

What is a Supermoon?

What is the forecast for the full moon in Des Moines?

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