Along the lunar orbital path, the point of closest proximity is known as perigee, which is when the moon is, on average, 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) from Earth. When a full moon phase coincides with perigee, a supermoon event occurs.

October’s full moon is the closest supermoon of the year, at a distance of about 222,055 miles from Earth. September’s full moon was just behind it, at 222,131 miles away. While any supermoon can appear bigger and brighter than usual, the proximity of this one adds to its effect.

The full moon in October is also known as the “hunter’s moon” because it marks the beginning of the hunting season, signaling to hunters to begin preparing for colder conditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The “hunter’s moon” follows the “harvest moon,” a moon phase that signals the best time for harvesters to reap their crops.