First supermoon of 2025: Harvest Moon to brighten skies on October 6

Stargazers all over the globe will be able to witness a mesmerising view as the first supermoon of 2025, known as the Harvest Moon, is set to illuminate the night sky on October 6 (Monday).

The full moon will reach its peak at 11:48pm EDT, but will appear full for several nights around that date, giving sky enthusiasts plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle.

This lunar event qualifies as a supermoon because it occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

However, the Harvest Moon gets its name from the period around the autumnal equinox, which fell on September 22 this year.

Historically, the extra evening light helped farmers gather crops before the onset of frost.

The perfect time to view the supermoon in the United States (US) will be at sunset on October 6, when it rises above the eastern horizon.

The Moon will appear especially large due to the moon illusion, a visual effect caused by foreground objects like trees or buildings that make it seem bigger than it actually is.

For the clearest view, experts recommend heading to a spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution.

Notably, this is the first of three consecutive supermoons closing out 2025. 

The next one, the Beaver Moon, is expected on November 5 and will be the year’s brightest, appearing at 100% perigee just 221,817 miles from Earth.