This weekend in Chicago will bring the opportunity for some spectacular moon gazing—the “Hunter’s Moon” will illuminate the night sky.
Here’s everything to know about the celestial event and where to watch in the Windy City.
All about the Hunter’s Moon
The “Hunter’s Moon” is the traditional name of the October full moon, according to Space.com.
The name originates from the historical time of year when farmers would reap the fields.
The crop reaping would expose wild game like birds and deer, and create ideal conditions for hunters preparing for winter.
Native American tribes had additional names for the moon. The Cree referred to it as the “Migrating Moon,” while the Ojibwe and Haida knew it as the “Ice Moon” or “Freezing Moon.”
When to watch
The Hunter’s Moon will begin its ascent on Sunday, October 25, at sunset (5:54 p.m. according to Time and Date).
The moon will reach 100% illumination at 11:11 p.m. CT on Sunday.
Predictions from AccuWeather indicate clear skies on the night of the 25th, so Chicagoans can expect a bright, full view of the lunar disk.
Where to watch
The best places to view the Hunter’s Moon in Chicago are those with little light pollution. There’s no better destination in the Windy City than the lakefront.
Specific locales like the Adler Planetarium Peninsula and the Montrose Moonrise Observation Point provide unobstructed views of the night sky.
Click here to learn more about the Hunter’s Moon.
