Introduction to the Harvest Moon
Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late tonight.
What You Need To Know
October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger.
It is called the Harvest Moon.
Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings.
This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.
Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.
Supermoon
October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month.
The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover.
Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.
Other Names of the Moon
There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons.
Here are some other names given to the full October moon:
- Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
- Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
- Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
- Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
- Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs
The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.
The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.
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Conclusion
The October Harvest Moon is a significant event in the astronomical calendar, offering a unique opportunity to witness a supermoon. With its bright light and larger appearance, it provides an ideal chance for stargazers to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just someone who appreciates the wonders of the universe, the Harvest Moon is an event not to be missed.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Harvest Moon?
A: The Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox, typically occurring in September or October. - Q: Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
A: It’s called the Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops. - Q: Is the October full moon a supermoon?
A: Yes, the October full moon is a supermoon, appearing approximately 30% brighter and 14% larger than normal due to its proximity to Earth. - Q: What are some other names for the October full moon?
A: Other names for the October full moon include the Hunter’s Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Drying Rice Moon, and Freezing Moon. - Q: When is the best time to view the Harvest Moon?
A: The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. Find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.
