The Falcon and the Hunter's Moon

The {Full Moon} of October 9th was the second {Full Moon} after the northern hemisphere autumnal equinox, traditionally called the {Hunter’s Moon}. According to lore, the name is a fitting one because this {Full Moon} lights the night during a time for hunting in preparation for the coming winter months.

In this snapshot, a nearly full {Hunter’s Moon} was captured just after sunset on October 8, rising in skies over {Florida’s Space Coast}. Rising from {Planet Earth}, a {Falcon 9} rocket pierces the bright lunar disk from the photographer’s vantage point.

Ripples and fringes along the edge of the {lunar surface} appear as supersonic shock waves generated by the rocket’s passage change the atmosphere’s index of refraction. What an amazing moment in the {night sky} and a wonderful example of {celestial} {astronomical wonders}.