This October full moon is special because it will be the first supermoon of 2025. This night will prove memorable for sky enthusiasts, photographers, and general observers alike. A supermoon refers to the time when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear approximately 7% larger and 15% brighter than normal.
2. Exact Time of the Full Moon
According to astronomy, this full moon will occur at 11:48 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), which is 3:48 a.m. GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) on October 7. At that time, the moon will be directly opposite the sun, allowing sunlight to fall across its entire surface and appear fully illuminated.
3. The Story of the Name “Harvest Moon”
This supermoon is called the “Harvest Moon” because it occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox. In ancient times, farmers would work late into the night in the fields under this full moonlight to finish harvesting the last of the summer’s crops. The moon’s bright light helped them work even without artificial lighting. This is why it was named the “Harvest Moon.”
4. The Supermoon Effect—Why Does It Appear Bigger?
When the moon approaches Earth, its apparent size and brightness both increase. Scientifically, this is called the Perigee Full Moon. On October 6th, the moon will be approximately 356,000 kilometers away—less than the typical average distance of 384,000 kilometers. This is why the moon will appear larger, rounder, and brighter than on other days.
5. When and Where to Get the Best Views
Viewers in the United States will be able to see it on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. As the sun sets, the moon will slowly rise in the sky. The view at this time will be extremely captivating, as the combination of the sun’s rays and moonlight will turn the sky golden. This view will be clearest and most beautiful from rural areas or places with less pollution.
6. “Moon Illusion”—An Interesting Mental Illusion
When the moon rises near the horizon, it appears unusually large. This is called the “Moon Illusion.” This is actually a psychological effect—when there are trees, buildings, or mountains surrounding the moon, our brain perceives it as larger by comparison. But when the moon reaches higher in the sky, this illusion is broken and it appears normal-sized.
7. The Moon’s Orange-Yellow Color—What’s the Reason?
When the moon rises above the horizon, its light passes through Earth’s atmosphere. This scatters the blue and green wavelengths and allows the longer red and orange wavelengths to reach our eyes. This is why, for the first hour, the moon appears light orange or golden yellow. As it rises, its color gradually turns white.
8. A Glimpse of Saturn and the Pegasus Constellation
This night, not just the moon, but many other celestial sights will be visible in the sky. Saturn will shine approximately 15 degrees to the moon’s upper right. Additionally, the four major stars of the Pegasus constellation will appear directly above the Moon, forming a diamond-like shape. This combination will make the sky even more spectacular.
9. An Easy Way to Measure Distances in the Sky
If you want to understand the distance between planets or stars in the sky, remember a simple rule—hold your closed fist at arm’s length; it covers a distance equal to approximately 10 degrees. This can easily help you understand how far Saturn is from the Moon or how high the Pegasus constellation is. This technique is very useful for amateur astronomy enthusiasts.
10. A Golden Opportunity for Photographers
If you’re an astrophotographer, this night is a real treat for you. Use a DSLR camera, telephoto lens, or tripod to capture the supermoon. Taking photos just after sunset, when the moon is near the horizon, will be most impressive, as the lighting is excellent. Shoot from an open area away from city lights for sharper images.
