How to watch the Super Hunter's Moon in North Texas this week

A Hunter's Moon will grace the skies over North Texas this Thursday. It will be the third supermoon of 2024 – and likely the brightest of the year.

According to NASA, the best viewing time will be at 6:26 a.m. on October 17 at moonrise. The supermoon can appear up to 30% brighter and 14% larger than the faintest moon of the year.

Clear skies are expected in the D-FW area on Thursday, so visibility will likely be unobstructed.

What is a Supermoon?

“Supermoon” is not a scientific term. The term was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 to describe a new or full moon that has moved within 90% of its perigee, or closest point to Earth. The moon orbits our planet in an elliptical orbit, which is why it is temporarily closer or further away.

According to NASA, supermoons occur about three to four times a year and always occur one after the other. The first supermoon of 2024 was the super blue moon on August 19, followed by the Harvest Moon on September 17, which coincided with a partial lunar eclipse. The fourth and final supermoon of the year will be the full moon on November 15, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Photos: Partial lunar eclipse and supermoon light up night sky over Dallas-Fort Worth

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Why is it called the Hunter's Moon?

The Hunter's Moon got its name because it was traditionally considered a signal for the start of hunting for the coming winter, the almanac says. It is the first full moon after the autumnal equinox, which occurred on September 22nd this year.

Be careful when driving

While the large and bright supermoon will be a sight to behold, a recent study in the journal says Transport Research Part D: Transport and Environment found a nearly 46% increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions on full moon nights in Texas. Some areas, including the High Plains, South Texas, Central Texas and the Upper East regions, saw particularly high increases in collisions, from nearly 58% to 125%.

The study authors, based at Texas A&M University, say this problem is more common in rural areas than urban areas, likely due to greater wildlife and lower light pollution.

Miriam Fauzia is a science reporter at The Dallas Morning News. Your scholarship is supported by the University of Texas at Dallas. The News makes all editorial decisions.