October Lunar Events

Isabel Hahn

Social distancing guidelines are not the only thing making this year’s spooky season unique. As if 2020 is not bizarre enough already, it’s a year with thirteen full moons instead of the usual twelve, two of which are occuring during October. The second full moon of the month, otherwise known as a blue moon, is scheduled for Halloween night.

The first full moon this month was a harvest moon, appearing on October 1. Harvest moons are moons closest to the autumnal equinox, typically occurring towards the end of September.  However, the full moon for September this year came on September 2,  which was too early to be designated as the harvest moon. If the harvest moon occurs in October, the September full moon is actually called the corn moon, due to the fact that it appears at the peak time of corn harvesting. Harvest Moons are special because they rise closer to the time of sunset. Instead of rising fifty minutes later each day, they appear at around the same time each night. Farmers are able to use the light of the harvest moon to continue gathering their crops late into the night. Harvest moons appear larger and more orange by illusion, making them perfect for the fall season. 

The second full moon of the month is the upcoming blue moon, and it will provide a spectacular Halloween scene that is unrelated to scary costumes or trick-or-treating. Contrary to what the name entails, a blue moon is not actually blue in color. Rather, it is a name used to describe the second full moon in one month. They usually appear once every two and a half to three years. Blue moons are already rare, but this one is particularly special, as a full moon has not occurred on Halloween across all time zones since 1944, in the World War II era. However, a full moon on Halloween in certain time zones tend to occur every nineteen years. One can be expected to appear in some parts of the world in the year 2039. Although this year’s blue moon will likely not look any different from a typical moon, its timing will certainly be very memorable. 

The full moon following a harvest moon is typically called a hunter’s moon. The fall season is traditionally a time for hunting and storing up supplies for the winter ahead. Because farmers had already harvested their crops under the harvest moon, it is said that it became easier for them to spot potential game roaming around the fields. Technically, this upcoming full moon would be called a blue hunter’s moon. It is certainly a mouthful, and quite fitting for this chilling holiday. 

This year’s Halloween celebrations will look much different from the norm, but don’t be discouraged! More time may be spent indoors, but the distinct blue moon is guaranteed to become a festive backdrop this Halloween night. Get those costumes and decorations ready and gather some friends to go skygazing with. After all, a Halloween like this one really only comes once in a blue moon.