Skywatchers across the globe are in for a celestial treat as the October Harvest Moon Supermoon rises this week, creating one of the brightest and most breathtaking lunar displays of the year. According to NASA, the full moon supermoon will reach peak illumination on October 6, marking an especially close encounter between Earth and its lunar companion.
What Makes the October Harvest Moon a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. During this time, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter than an average full moon.
NASA scientists explained that this October harvest moon supermoon is particularly special because of its timing — arriving just two days after International Observe the Moon Night on October 4, when astronomy enthusiasts worldwide gather to celebrate our natural satellite.
So, if you’ve been wondering “is it a full moon tonight?”, the answer is yes — and it’s an extraordinary one.
When and How to See the Supermoon Tonight
The moon tonight will be at its biggest and brightest just after sunset. Look toward the eastern horizon for the best view of the glowing harvest moon 2025.
For those in the UK wondering “is it a full moon tonight UK?”, the supermoon will rise around 6:45 p.m. BST and will remain visible throughout the night. Viewers in North America can expect the moonrise to begin between 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. local time, depending on location.
To capture the moon at its most dramatic, NASA suggests observing it shortly after moonrise, when it appears low on the horizon and takes on a warm, amber hue — a visual effect caused by Earth’s atmosphere.
The Harvest Moon’s Celestial Companions
This full moon supermoon also coincides with the arrival of two meteor showers — the Draconids and the Orionids.
From October 6–10, the Draconid meteor shower will sprinkle the night sky with up to 10 meteors per hour. However, due to the brightness of the super moon, many fainter meteors may be harder to spot.
The real spectacle will come later in the month with the Orionid meteor shower, peaking on October 21. These meteors — remnants of Halley’s Comet — are expected to produce about 20 meteors per hour under dark skies.
Why the Harvest Moon Matters
The Harvest Moon holds a special place in astronomy and folklore. Traditionally, it was the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, providing farmers with extra light to harvest their crops. This year’s harvest moon 2025 doubles as a supermoon, making it both a cultural and astronomical highlight of the season.
NASA describes the event as “an exceptionally close full moon,” noting that the October harvest moon supermoon offers one of the most luminous nights of 2025.
When Is the Next Full Moon?
After the October Harvest Moon Supermoon, the next full moon — known as the Hunter’s Moon — will occur on November 5, 2025. Unlike this supermoon, the November full moon will appear slightly smaller and dimmer, as the Moon will be farther from Earth in its orbit.
If you’re wondering “when is full moon again after October?”, NASA’s lunar calendar confirms that the following ones will fall on November 5, December 5, and January 3, 2026.
A Night to Remember
NASA encourages everyone to step outside and enjoy the moon today, whether you’re using a telescope or simply gazing up from your backyard. Even smartphone photographers can capture impressive images of the supermoon 2025, especially during moonrise or moonset when the lunar disk appears unusually large.
As NASA’s Chelsea Gohd from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory said, “This is a perfect night to reconnect with the sky. The October Supermoon reminds us of the wonder just above our heads.”
So tonight, look up — the harvest moon awaits.
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