The Largest Full Moon of 2025: Rare October 'Harvest Supermoon' Peaks October 6
Skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere are anticipating a striking celestial display this week, as the first Supermoon of 2025 rises, and it will be a dream come true for lovers of the moon.
The full moon on Monday, October 6, has been designated the Harvest Moon, being dubbed as "The Largest Full Moon of 2025", which is an unusual occurrence for the month of October.
It will appear slightly larger and brighter than average, marking a powerful combination of lunar cycles.
The moon officially turns full when it aligns exactly opposite the sun, a phase known as peak illumination, and will be largely visible to the naked human eye.
Global Peak Illumination Times
The precise moment of the moon when it achieves its full phase varies by location:
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 11:47 PM on Monday, October 6.
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 03:48 AM on Tuesday, October 7.
- British Summer Time (BST): 4:47 AM on Tuesday, October 7.
Observers can expect the moon to appear fully illuminated for the entire night of October 6, as well as the nights immediately before and after the peak.
A Rare Double Designation: Harvest and Supermoon
This particular full moon carries a double title of significance, derived from both astronomical proximity and historical folklore.
1. The Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full moon that falls nearest the autumnal equinox, which occurred on September 22 this year. While September often hosts the Harvest Moon, the October 6 timing is closer to the equinox than the September full moon was.
This specific timing minimizes the usual nightly delay in moonrise, providing farmers with several consecutive evenings of extended moonlight shortly after sunset. This provided valuable extra time for gathering crops before the winter season arrived.
The October date for the Harvest Moon is uncommon. As reported by The Times of India, this pattern, where the Harvest Moon falls in October, is rare:
"Such a pattern occurs only 18 times in an 80-year span between 1970 and 2050".
2. The Supermoon
The October full moon is also the first of three consecutive Supermoons planned for 2025.
A Supermoon is the colloquial term for a perigee full moon, meaning the moon is near its closest point to Earth in its orbit at the time of the full phase.
According to Mashable, which cited the US space agency:
"This full moon is also a supermoon, meaning it appears larger and brighter in the sky because it's closer to Earth during its orbit, and will be the first of three consecutive supermoons, according to NASA".
The moon will reach perigee just over a day after the full phase, meaning it will look particularly imposing.
The Old Farmer's Almanac notes that the moon is at perigee, making it "the largest and brightest full Moon of 2025".
Viewing Guidance
The most spectacular views of the Harvest Supermoon will occur during moonrise, shortly after local sunset on the evening of October 6. At this time, the moon appears largest due to the 'moon illusion,' and it can take on a striking orange-yellow hue.
Tips for optimal viewing:
- Locate the Horizon: Position yourself with a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, where the moon will rise.
- Seek Darkness: Move away from excessive city lights to maximize the contrast and brilliance of the moonlight.
- Watch for Color: The moon may appear golden orange during the first 15 to 20 minutes of its rise because observers are looking through a greater portion of Earth's atmosphere.
- See Saturn: The ringed gas giant Saturn will be shining clearly in the sky, positioned roughly 15 degrees to the upper right of the rising moon.
Again, the position is important, so ensure you are in the right area to view the largest full moon of 2025.
