So, how did this month's Full Moon get its name? The Hunter's Moon is so named because plenty of moonlight is ideal for hunters shooting migrating birds in Northern Europe. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it's now time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, as well as other animals, which can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest.
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.
Usually the Full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest and Hunter's Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night, just 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States, and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Thus there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise around the time of these Full Moons.
Paul
Usually the Full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest and Hunter's Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night, just 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States, and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Thus there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise around the time of these Full Moons.
Paul
