October’s full moon officially happens the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 9, and you can use it the night before as an easy target for finding Jupiter.
October’s full moon is usually called the Hunter’s Moon. Native Americans referred to it as the Falling Leaves Moon, Harvest Moon and Someone Stores Food Moon, among others.
The moon will appear full for a few days centered on Sunday, but if you’re one for technicality, it’s truly full at 4:55 p.m. ET that day.
You can use the moon as a guide to find our solar system’s largest planet, Jupiter, on Oct. 8. About an hour after sunset, look just above and to the right of the moon. There, you’ll see Jupiter.
(Sky & Telescope)
Wondering if clouds will get in your way? Find out with your local forecast.
A bonus moon-planet pairing comes for a few nights starting on the 14th. Mars will appear just to the lower-right of the waning moon after 10 p.m., and will appear closest to the moon on the 15th.
Check out our 2022 celestial calendar so you don’t miss out on other night sky events happening the rest of the year.
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