First Supermoon of 2025 to Illuminate Night Sky

NEW YORK, USA — Stargazers should prepare for a spectacular sight as the first supermoon of 2025, known as the Harvest Moon, rises on the night of October 6. The full moon will reach its peak brightness at 11:48 p.m. ET and will be visible well into Tuesday morning.

Noah Petro, project scientist for NASA’s Artemis III mission, shares that the Harvest Moon is named for its appearance closest to the fall equinox, which this year falls on September 22. Farmers historically relied on the moonlight to aid in crop harvesting as daylight hours diminished.

This month’s supermoon will be one of three consecutive supermoons occurring within the year. A supermoon appears larger and brighter when it is at perigee, the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.

<p“While the difference is subtle, it can be noticeable,” Petro said. “I encourage everyone to take the time to look at the moon throughout the week, not just on the peak nights.”

Petro’s comments come on the heels of an announcement by NASA regarding astronauts who may soon explore both the moon and Mars. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for early next year, will carry a crew of four veteran astronauts on a lunar flyby.

<p“The significance of the Harvest Moon on October 6 is heightened by the upcoming Artemis II mission,” Petro added. “People will have the chance to see not just the moon, but one that will soon host human visitors.”

Those looking to catch a glimpse of this astronomical event should aim their gaze toward the eastern horizon at sunset on October 6. The moon will appear slightly yellow-orange as it rises into the evening sky.

As a bonus, skywatchers can expect meteor showers in addition to the dazzling supermoon, providing multiple opportunities for a night of celestial viewing.