Stargazers have a celestial event tonight: the first Supermoon of 2025. This full moon, known as the Harvest Supermoon, is the first in a sequence of three consecutive supermoons happening this year.
Viewing Schedule
The Moon will be visible shortly after sunset on Monday, October 6.
- Peak Time: The Moon reaches its full phase at 11:47 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- Best View: Look to the eastern horizon at local moonrise, which is near sunset. At this time, the Moon may appear larger as it sits close to the horizon, an effect known as the Moon Illusion.
- Duration: The Moon will remain in the sky all night and is visible across the Northern Hemisphere, depending on weather.
Understanding the Supermoon
A Supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the Moon is near perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth.
- Appearance: Due to its proximity, the Moon will look slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon.
- The Name: The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox. Historically, the bright evening light helped farmers extend their harvest work.
Tips for Observing
No special equipment is required to see the event, but these tips can improve your view:
- Clear Line of Sight: Find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern sky for the best viewing during moonrise.
- Avoid Lights: Move away from city lights to minimize light pollution and enhance the Moon’s appearance.
- Use Optics: Binoculars or a telescope can help show the Moon’s surface features.
- Another Event: The Supermoon coincides with the Draconid meteor shower. Although the Moon’s light may make meteors hard to see, some may still be visible in the night sky.
If you miss this event, the next Supermoons, the Beaver Moon and the Cold Moon, are scheduled for November 5 and December 4.
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