As autumn deepens, skywatchers are turning their eyes to the heavens for one of the year's most striking celestial events. The full moon in October 2025, known as the Harvest Moon, promises to be more than just a routine lunar display. It's a supermoon, the largest and brightest of the year, pulling closer to Earth than usual and casting an extra glow over the landscape. But hold on—is tonight the night? Not quite; the peak arrives a bit later.
Indeed, the full moon reaches its zenith on October 6 at 11:48 p.m. EDT, spilling into the early hours of October 7 for many observers. This timing makes it a rare October Harvest Moon, the latest in nearly four decades, shifting from the typical September slot due to the quirks of the lunar cycle and calendar alignment. Farmers once relied on this moon's steady rise—every few nights around the same time—to extend their harvest work into the evening, a practical nod to nature's rhythm that feels almost nostalgic now amid our electric-lit world.
However, what sets this one apart is its supermoon status. At perigee, the moon's closest approach, it appears about 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than at its farthest, offering photographers and stargazers a prime chance to capture its orange hues as it climbs over the horizon. Moreover, it coincides with the autumn equinox's lingering influence, marking the official start of the season just weeks prior. Yet, light pollution in urban areas could dim the spectacle, a subtle reminder of how human sprawl encroaches on these natural wonders.
For the best view, head to a dark-sky spot after sunset on October 7, when the moon rises around 6:20 p.m. local time in many places. Binoculars might reveal craters and shadows more vividly, but the naked eye will suffice for the sheer drama. Tonight, on October 5, the moon is waxing gibbous, nearly full but not quite there—close enough to tease, perhaps, but saving its full glory for tomorrow.
In a year packed with cosmic highlights, this Harvest Supermoon stands out as a quiet yet potent symbol of seasonal change, prompting us to pause and consider what the night sky still holds in store.