The full moon of October 2025 arrives just days away, set to dazzle skywatchers with its exceptional brightness. On October 7 at 3:47 a.m. UTC, the moon will reach its peak fullness, marking the first supermoon of the year and the largest one to come. For those in the U.S., that means the moon rising full on the evening of October 6, casting a golden hue over autumn landscapes. Indeed, it's not just any full moon—it's the Harvest Moon, a term rooted in farming traditions where the extra light helped with late-season crops.
Why this one stands out? Well, it's a supermoon, happening when the moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual. Moreover, this Harvest Moon falls unusually late in the year, the latest since 1987, shifting from its typical September slot due to the autumn equinox on September 22. Some call it the Hunter's Moon too, evoking images of preparations for winter hunts. However, with light pollution and cloudy skies often in the mix, not everyone will get a perfect view—frustrating, isn't it?
Tonight, on October 5, the moon isn't quite full yet; it's waxing gibbous, about 95 percent illuminated, building toward that climactic rise. To catch it best, head to a dark spot away from city glow, perhaps around sunset on the 6th when it climbs low on the horizon, amplified by the "moon illusion." Binoculars can reveal craters and shadows, adding depth to the spectacle. Indeed, this event coincides with the Draconid meteor shower peaking around the same time, offering a bonus of shooting stars if conditions cooperate.
Still, amid the hype, one wonders how these celestial rhythms continue to pull at our ancient curiosities, even in a world lit by screens.