October’s new moon arrives Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning a lunar cycle that will end with the full Hunter’s Moon rising later this month. In between, a beautiful crescent moon will be visible between Oct. 12-15.

Saturday brings a new moon — and the start of a lunar cycle that will end with the rise of the full Hunter’s Moon.

The new moon will occur on Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning a roughly two-week journey towards the full Hunter’s Moon later this month. In between, a beautiful waxing crescent will return to the evening sky, grow to first quarter and then become a waxing gibbous moon before finally reaching its full phase.

Before that happens, however, skywatchers are enjoying something arguably even more useful — some of the darkest night skies of the month.

What Is A New Moon?

A new moon occurs when the moon passes roughly between Earth and the sun. Its sunlit side therefore faces away from Earth, leaving the side facing us in darkness, so it becomes effectively invisible in the sun’s glare.

The week around new moon is consequently the best of the month for stargazing because there is little or no moonlight to bleach the night sky. From a dark location, that makes faint stars, galaxies and nebulae easier to see — light pollution allowing.

A new moon also marks the beginning of a new 29-day lunar cycle. In the evenings immediately afterward, a delicate crescent moon emerges low in the western sky after sunset, growing larger each night until it reaches first quarter and, roughly two weeks after new moon, full moon.

Saturday’s new moon therefore sets the clock ticking towards October’s full Hunter’s Moon‚ but not before some beautiful views of a delicate waxing crescent moon.

When To See The Crescent Moon After Sunset

The first sight of the moon after new moon will come low in the western sky shortly after sunset. Look west just after sunset on Monday, Oct. 12, for an extremely slender 5%-lit young crescent, though it may be challenging to spot in a bright sky. A much easier view will come on Tuesday, Oct. 13, when a 9%-lit crescent will shine higher above the western horizon after sunset, and even easier on Wednesday, Oct. 14, when a 15%-lit crescent will be shining. Look for Mercury near the moon.

The new moon will occur on Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning a roughly two-week journey towards the full Hunter’s Moon later this month. (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

What Is The Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon is the traditional name for the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon. In 2026, September’s full moon was the Harvest Moon because it was the closest full moon to the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn equinox. That makes October’s full moon the Hunter’s Moon.

These names are tied to the changing seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the bright evenings around the Harvest Moon helped farmers work after sunset, while the Hunter’s Moon that followed reflects the seasonal shift from gathering crops to preparing meat for winter, according to Almanac.

Astronomically, however, there’s nothing different about a Hunter’s Moon. It’s simply a full moon — but, like every full moon, it can be a spectacular sight as it appears on the eastern horizon around sunset.

How To See The Hunter’s Moon

The best way to see October’s Hunter’s Moon is to find somewhere with a clear view low on the eastern horizon and watch around moonrise.

That’s when the full moon tends to look most impressive. The “moon illusion” makes it appear unusually large when seen beside trees, buildings and distant hills, while Earth’s atmosphere can give it a beautiful orange or yellow color as it rises.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Home

Saturday’s New Moon Sets Up October’s ‘Hunter’s Moon’ — Here’s How