Last weekend was an absolute blast for astronomy lovers far and wide, with the skies treating us to not one, not two, but three spectacular night-time phenomena.

Perhaps the most noticeable of these events was the Hunter’s Moon, which was at its peak the night of Sunday 9th October.

The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon following the Harvest Moon, i.e. the full moon closest to the September equinox (23rd September 2022).

Because of this, a Harvest Moon may sometimes take place in October, in which case the Hunter’s Moon would then take place in November.

According to earthsky.org, this is will happen next in 2025.

This year, the Harvest Moon peaked on the night of Saturday 10th September.

Those who were lucky enough to stargaze throughout the past couple of days would have also spotted Jupiter – a bright, shining ‘light’ close to the full moon.

Didn’t manage to catch the full moon?

Worry not! Some top-notch Maltese photographers made it a point to capture the Hunter’s Moon in all its glory, and the results are downright stunning.

A certain George Carl Camilleri shot the full moon in Nadur, Gozo, as it rose behind the Ta’ Kenuna Tower.

Though originally built by the British in 1848, this tower was restored in 2005 and now serves as a beacon to warn ships of their proximity to land.

Mario Vella

Another gorgeous shot by Mario Vella shows an unadulterated and unobstructed view of the Hunter’s Moon in all its glory.

Did you manage to spot the full moon last weekend?