Some, for example, counted four seasons a year while others counted five. Most of the names relate to an activity or an event that took place at the time in each location. However, it wasn't a uniform system and tribes tended to name and count moons differently. Instead tribes gave each full moon a nickname to keep track of the seasons and lunar months. The early Native Americans didn't record time using months of the Julian or Gregorian calendar. This happened in 2020, when 13 full moons graced our skies, with the two full moons in October, as well as four penumbral lunar eclipses. While most years see 12 full moons, some years have 13. This means that some months will see two full moons, with the second known as a Blue Moon.

It occurs when the Earth is directly aligned between the Sun and the Moon. How often does a full moon occur?Ī full moon occurs every 29.5 days and happens when the Moon is completely illuminated by the Sun's rays. October's full moon will reach its peak on Sunday 9 at 9.54am. Here we've compiled a complete guide to the Moon, Earth's only natural satellite and the largest and brightest object in our night sky, which has enchanted and inspired mankind for centuries.įrom supermoon to blue moon, here's everything explained in one place. Set to peak October 9, it is also known as the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.

October's full moon is so named as it came to signify the ideal time for hunting game, which were becoming fatter from eating falling grains, as people planned for the cold months ahead.

What is the moon phase tonight