The Hunter’s Supermoon, the largest full moon of 2024, will rise into the sky later this week, just hours after the moon’s closest approach to Earth.

Here’s what you need to know about this month’s full moon and what makes it so unique.

When does this month’s full moon take place?

According to NASA, the full moon for October will officially occur Thursday at 6:26 a.m., meaning the moon will be the closest to the full moon visible in North America on Wednesday evening.

What makes this month’s “supermoon” special?

According to NASA scientists, the moon will reach perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit around the planet, on Wednesday evening.

About 11 hours later, the full moon will occur at about 6:26 a.m. Thursday, making the moon appear brighter and larger than normal.

What is a “supermoon”?

According to experts, a “supermoon” occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. That distance is approximately 221,938 miles, according to NASA.

A “supermoon” appears slightly larger in the sky and a lot brighter than a moon at apogee, or the furthest point from Earth in its orbit. According to the Adler Planetarium, a “supermoon” can appear up to 30% brighter and 15% larger than a “micromoon.”

This month’s “supermoon” is one of four consecutive lunar periods that Earth experiences, but will ultimately be the closest in calendar year 2024.

Where does the name “Hunter’s Moon” come from?

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the ‘Hunter’s Moon’ was named by the Native Americans, so named because it gives hunters longer periods of night during the autumn months to stalk prey.

Other cultures have called the moon the “Travel Moon” and the “Dying Grass Moon,” according to the website.

Will the weather cooperate in the Chicago area?

Although lake effect showers have hit the area in recent days, this system is expected to clear from the area by Wednesday morning, potentially paving the way for good views of the full moon.