This evening, the night sky is helping to set a spooky mood for the upcoming Halloween festivities later this week.

Just after midnight (12:12 a.m. ET on Monday, October 26), the Hunter’s Moon will reach peak illumination. Here’s everything you need to know about this luminous orb so you can be the most informed person at your office.

Much like Picasso or moody teenagers, the Moon goes through phases. Unlike the artist and hormonal youths, the Moon’s are more predictable and reliable. The Moon itself doesn’t change, but our view of the orb shifts because of its orbit.

Moonlight is actually sunlight reflected by the satellite. When the Earth is sandwiched between the Sun and Moon, a full moon occurs. (When all three line up perfectly, it’s called a lunar eclipse, but that’s another story entirely.) During a full moon, the half of the orb facing Earth is completely lit up by the Sun.

Full moon names are based on Native American and historical tradition. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recorded many of these monikers, further cementing their place in history.

The Hunter’s Moon describes the time of year after the harvest where people prepared for the upcoming cold winter by hunting game.

Sometimes the October full moon can be known as the Harvest Moon. This is not the case for 2026. The Harvest Moon is the closest full moon to the fall equinox, so this year September’s offering won out.

According to NASA , a full moon on Halloween happens around every 19 years.

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