Full Moon in October 2017: Date, Time, and How to Observe

When Was the Full Moon in October 2017

The full moon in October 2017 occurred on Friday, October 20. The exact moment of peak fullness depends on timezone but typically happened during the daylight hours for much of the Americas, placing the visually full phase in the evening sky for many mid-latitude observers. For most sky-watchers, the moon appeared fully illuminated for the surrounding nights, making it a reliable target for evening observation and photography throughout the latter half of the month.

Below you’ll find precise timing details, context about how the lunar cycle produces this phase, guidance for viewing conditions, and practical observing and imaging tips you can apply not only for October 2017 but for any future October full moon.

Defining the October Full Moon

A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun in ecliptic longitude, placing Earth roughly between the Sun and Moon and illuminating the lunar hemisphere facing Earth. In 2017, this precise astronomical alignment fell in mid-October. Although the term harvest moon is sometimes used for the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, that designation usually applies to September or early October; October’s full moon is often called the Hunter’s Moon. Understanding these names helps link sky phenomena to cultural calendars and seasonal cues.

Exact Timing and Global Visibility

Because the Moon’s orbit is inclined relative to Earth’s orbit, the moment of exact fullness can happen at any hour. In October 2017, observers in different regions experienced the following:

Observers east of UTC+9 saw the full moon after moonrise in the early evening, while western regions typically caught it rising in the dusk hours of October 20. Timing your outing near moonrise improves the experience, as the moon appears larger near the horizon due to a well-understood optical effect and can be photographed with terrestrial landmarks.

Lunar Cycle Context for October 2017

The Moon completes a synodic cycle—new moon to new moon—about every 29.5 days. In October 2017, key lunar phases fell around these dates:

• Last quarter: October 13
• New moon: October 27
• Full moon: October 20

This sequence places the full moon near the middle of the month, about 7 days after last quarter and roughly 7 days before new moon. The waning gibbous that follows gradually provides earlier moonrise each evening, shifting viewing opportunities later into the night as the month progresses.

Atmospheric and Observational Conditions

October often brings crisp, clear skies in many northern temperate zones, which can enhance lunar viewing. Still, local weather, light pollution, and horizon obstructions remain the most significant variables. To maximize your experience:

• Check short-term cloud cover and transparency forecasts for your location.
• Choose a site with a low western horizon if catching moonrise, or an eastern horizon for late-night observations.
• Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt to darkness for the best naked-eye view of earthshine and subtle shading on the lunar surface.

Photography and Imaging Tips

Photographing the full moon benefits from planning. Use these practical settings as a starting point and adjust for your equipment and conditions:

• Use a telephoto lens (200mm or longer) to show detail; wider lenses capture the moon in context with landscapes.
• Prefer manual focus and live view zoom to nail sharp focus on the terminator.
• Shoot during moonrise or moonset to include foreground interest; bracket exposures to blend the bright moon and darker foreground.
• For craters and mare patterns, consider stacking multiple frames and using modest post-processing to reduce noise and enhance contrast.

When the Moon is full, surface features are flattened by shadowlessness; slightly past full or waning phases can reveal more topography if you’re targeting high-contrast imaging of specific regions.

October Full Moon Cultural Names and Folklore

Many cultures attach names to each month’s full moon that reflect seasonal activities or natural cues. In North America, common references for October’s full moon include Hunter’s Moon and, less commonly, Travel Moon or Dying Grass Moon. These names are traditional rather than astronomical, and they vary by region and community. While not used in scientific work, these cultural markers can deepen your appreciation of how societies have historically tracked time by the sky.

When to See the Next Full Moon After October 2017

Lunar phases recur on a predictable schedule. After October 20, 2017, the next full moon—known as the Beaver Moon—rose on November 19, 2017. If you enjoyed the October full moon, you can anticipate similar evening visibility and observing conditions with modest adjustments for the Moon’s orbital shift eastward against the stars.

Quick Reference Checklist for Observing the October 2017 Full Moon

• Note the exact full moon time for your time zone (around October 20, near dawn in the Americas).
• Plan for moonrise or early evening viewing for best visual experience.
• Check local weather and choose a site with minimal light pollution and clear horizons.
• Prepare your camera with a sturdy mount, remote shutter, and appropriate lenses.
• Give your eyes time to adapt and consider sketching or imaging to deepen engagement.

Summary

The full moon in October 2017 fell on Friday, October 20. Exact local visibility varied by region, but observers generally enjoyed a fully illuminated moon in the evenings surrounding that date. Understanding the lunar cycle, timing, and simple observing techniques ensures you can make the most of this dependable celestial event year after year.