Don’t miss the first supermoon of the year on October 6—what it is, when to watch, and the best way to view it across the US.
What Is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon reaches its closest point to Earth—called perigee—making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. While the difference may not be drastic to the naked eye, it can look up to 14% larger and shine 30% more brightly than a typical full moon.
- The effect is most dramatic when the moon is near the horizon, a visual phenomenon called the moon illusion.
- Supermoons also cause higher tides due to the moon’s increased gravitational pull.
Why It’s Called the Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the first full moon of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It traditionally marks the end of the harvest season, when farmers relied on its brightness to extend working hours into the night.
Native American tribes have also referred to it as:
- The Drying Rice Moon
- The Freezing Moon
- The Migrating Moon
When to See the Harvest Moon in 2025
Mark your calendars:
🌕 Full Moon Peak: October 6 at 11:47 PM EST
🌍 Universal Time (UTC): October 7 at 3:47 PM
This will be the first of three supermoons in 2025, with the next one, the Beaver Moon, occurring on November 5.
Best Places and Times to Watch
To catch the best view of the Harvest Moon:
- Watch around sunset, when the moon is near the horizon. This is when the moon illusion makes it appear most dramatic.
- Choose an elevated location like a hilltop, rooftop, or open field with a clear view of the eastern sky.
- The ideal viewing window is typically 15 to 20 minutes after local moonrise.
While the moon can be enjoyed with the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will enhance surface details and brightness.
Bonus: Draconid Meteor Shower
This supermoon also aligns with the Draconid meteor shower, which may offer up to 10 meteors per hour. However, the moon’s brightness could reduce visibility of the meteors.
- Peak meteor activity is expected around October 6–7.
- For best chances of seeing a meteor, try watching from a dark location away from city lights after midnight.
What Makes This Supermoon Special?
- It’s the closest the moon will be to Earth this October—224,599 miles away, about 10% closer than average.
- Though not the largest supermoon of the year, it sets the stage for the more dramatic Beaver Moon in November.
- It’s a rare convergence of a supermoon and a meteor shower, adding extra magic to skywatching plans.
