LOOK to the skies for a stunning natural spectacle this evening as this year’s Hunter’s Moon is set to glow orange over Dorset.

The October full moon - known as the Hunter’s Moon - is the tenth full moon of the year and follows the Harvest Moon, which lit up our skies with orange and pink hues in September.

The Hunter's Moon gained its name hundreds of years ago as, traditionally, October is the month when farmers would hunt and preserve meats for use in the winter months.

Bournemouth Echo: Hunter's Moon over Dorset Picture: Ken DeadmanHunter's Moon over Dorset Picture: Ken Deadman

According to the Farmer's Almanac, it appears on the only night in the month where the moon is in the sky all night.

Because it rises around sunset and near the horizon, the moon has the illusion of appearing 'bigger' in the sky and more orange than a normal moon, as light from the Sun reflecting off it has to pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere before it reaches our eyes.

Bournemouth Echo: The stunning spectacle looks dramatic over the coast Picture: Peter HarrimanThe stunning spectacle looks dramatic over the coast Picture: Peter Harriman

When to catch it

The Hunter's Moon peaks today (Wednesday October 20) at 3.56pm but is best viewed shortly after sunset, which falls at 5.56pm this evening.

Don't worry if you miss it, though - there's another chance tomorrow as to the untrained eye the moon will still appear 'full.'

The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon on November 19. It gets its name as November is usually the month when beavers begin to take shelter for winter.