It looks like October is already off to a bright start, thanks to the first supermoon of the year as it gets ready to shine over the city! The last time we saw the celestial phenomenon, in which the moon appears larger and brighter than usual, was nearly a year ago, so skywatchers won’t want to miss it.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest point to Earth in its orbit, otherwise known as its perigee. As a result, the moon appears up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter in the night sky compared to your average full moon, according to Space.com.
October’s supermoon, also dubbed the Harvest Moon, will rise on Monday, October 6, and appear at its fullest around 11:48 p.m., per the Farmers’ Almanac. You can track moonrise and moonset in Miami on Time and Date.
About the Harvest Moon
Sometimes called the Corn Moon, the Harvest Moon usually occurs closer to the fall equinox. However, this year’s lunar show is arriving later than usual — the latest since 1987! Its names are associated with the harvest time of crops like beans, corn and wild rice, dating back centuries to when farmers relied on the moon’s glow to keep working through long nights.
The next supermoons of 2025
October’s supermoon is actually one of three happening this year! If you don’t want to miss an opportunity to see these upcoming lunar events, mark down the following dates on your calendars:
- November 5 – the closest Supermoon of the year.
- December 4 – the final supermoon of 2025, also known as the Cold Moon.
For the best views of the moon, it is recommended that you stay away from light pollution as much as possible.