A Rare Harvest Supermoon Will Light Up The Skies In October For The First Time Since 1987

plane flies in the sky in front of the largest Supermoon of 2019 on February 19, 2019 in London, England. Today's Supermoon, sometimes known as the Super Snow Moon is the second supermoon of the year. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The October 2025 full moon is set to be a cosmic spectacle: it’s both the year’s first and largest supermoonand unusually, this Harvest Moon will shine at its brightest on October 7marking a rare occurrence in the lunar calendar.

The full moon this month will offer skywatchers across the UK and beyond a rare treat: not only is it the first supermoon since November 2024it’s the brightest and closest moon of the year, earning it the Harvest Moon title for falling closest to the autumnal equinox.

Traditionally, farmers relied on this moon’s bright glow to extend harvest activities into the night. It’s an event that last occurred this late in October back in 1987, making 2025’s moon especially notable for astronomers and casual observers alike.

When is the October 2025 full moon exactly?

The full moon occurs on Tuesday, October 7, at 4:48am BST (11:48pm EDT on 6 October).

Why is it called the Harvest Moon?

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox (22 or 23 September). It’s named for its historic role in helping Northern Hemisphere farmers gather crops under extra nighttime light.

Is this a supermoon?

Yes, October’s full moon is a supermoon: it appears larger and brighter because it coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth (within 90% of its perigee).

What makes this Harvest Moon rare in 2025?

The Harvest Moon usually occurs in September. In 2025, astronomical conditions make the October full moon closer to the equinox, a timing that only happens about 18 times between 1970 and 2050. The last late Harvest Moon like this was in 1987.

Does the supermoon actually look bigger?

The phenomenon called the ‘Moon Illusion’ can make the supermoon appear even bigger when near the horizon, though photographs confirm its size remains the same. Myriad factors, including objects like trees or buildings in the foreground, trick the human eye.

What other supermoons are coming up?

The November and December 2025 full moons (Beaver Moon and Cold Moon) will also be supermoons, offering more chances for night-sky viewing.

Will there be any other sky spectacles with this moon?

The next full moon, on November 5 (Guy Fawkes Night), will be the Beaver Moon and may coincide with fireworks displays, making for a stunning celestial-and-terrestrial pairing.