What to Expect During October’s Super Harvest Moon
AUSTIN, Texas – The Super Harvest Moon will grace the night sky on October 6-7, 2025, appearing larger and brighter than normal. This full moon occurs closest to the autumn equinox, making it a significant event for skywatchers.
According to NASA, the full moon is set to reach its peak at 10:48 p.m. CDT on October 6. This moon phase has been historically important for farmers, as its bright light helped them harvest crops during the year’s busiest farming season. Noah Petro, project scientist for NASA’s Artemis III mission, pointed out that observers can still enjoy the moon’s brightness on the following night if the weather is not clear.
The Harvest Moon is remarkable not only for its timing but also because it is the first of three back-to-back supermoons occurring this year. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. On average, supermoons are about 7% bigger and 15% brighter than a typical full moon.
In 2025, the Harvest Moon is expected to display unique characteristics such as a shorter lag time between moonrises on consecutive nights, providing less darkness between sunset and moonrise. This effect is particularly noticeable in northern latitudes where the moon rises at almost the same time for several nights in a row.
The story of the Harvest Moon goes back to ancient times, first mentioned in records from 1706. Farmers historically relied on its light to gather their crops before rain could spoil them. Alan MacRobert, an editor at Sky & Telescope, emphasized the importance of moonlight for harvesters in the days before artificial lighting.
This year, the Super Harvest Moon’s full brightness will coincide with astronomical events like Saturn‘s opposition, adding to its visual spectacle. As such, it’s an excellent opportunity for stargazers to learn more about the moon and capture stunning photographs.
As October 6 approaches, enthusiasts are encouraged to take note of this celestial event and enjoy the beauty and wonder it brings to the night sky.
