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Sky-gazers around the world are preparing for a spectacular celestial event as the October Full Moon, a rare Harvest Supermoon, reaches its peak illumination. This lunar event is not only the first of three consecutive supermoons for 2025 but is also expected to be the largest and brightest full moon of the entire year, offering a magnificent spectacle for observers across the globe, from the UK to the USA and Bangladesh.
Peak Illumination Times Worldwide
The moment of peak illumination, when the Moon is fully opposite the Sun, will technically occur on Monday, October 6, and Tuesday, October 7, 2025, depending on the time zone.
| Location | Date of Peak Illumination | Time of Peak Illumination |
| United Kingdom (BST) | Tuesday, October 7 | 4:48 AM |
| USA (Eastern Daylight Time) | Monday, October 6 | 11:48 PM |
| Bangladesh (BST) | Tuesday, October 7 | 9:48 AM |
| Global Standard (GMT/UTC) | Tuesday, October 7 | 3:48 AM |
A Rare October Harvest Supermoon
This year’s October full moon is particularly significant for two reasons: its size and its name.
- The Largest Supermoon of 2025: It qualifies as a "supermoon," a term coined in 1979 for a full moon that occurs when it is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth (perigee). Its close proximity will make it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the farthest full moon (micromoon). This marks the first supermoon since November 2024, ending an 11-month gap.
- The Harvest Moon: The Harvest Moon is traditionally the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22 or 23). While it usually occurs in September, the lunar cycle dictates that the October full moon takes the title this year, the latest date it has appeared since 1987. This name originates from Northern Hemisphere farming traditions, where farmers historically relied on the moon’s sustained evening light to bring in the final harvests before winter. Because of the special angle of the Moon's orbit at this time of year, it rises at a similar time for several consecutive nights, providing extended light.
Additional Celestial Spectacles
The October Supermoon is just the beginning of a magnificent astronomical show:
- Coincidence with Meteor Shower: The spectacular lunar event coincides with the peak of the Draconid meteor shower around October 6-10. Skygazers who manage to find a dark area away from the Moon's brilliant glow may catch a glimpse of the shooting stars.
- Conjunction with Saturn: The Moon will also make a close approach to the gas giant Saturn on October 5, making the planet visible near the lunar disc for many observers.
- The Supermoon Trilogy: This Harvest Moon is the first in a trio of supermoons. The next two—the Beaver Moon in November and the Cold Moon in December—will also be classified as supermoons. The November 5 Beaver Moon will coincide with the traditional Guy Fawkes Day (Bonfire Night) celebrations in the UK, offering the spectacle of a supermoon rising alongside fireworks, weather permitting.
The Power of Illusion
Experts remind observers that while the supermoon is technically larger, its most impressive visual effect—the appearance of being enormous when low on the horizon—is due to an effect known as the 'Moon Illusion'.
As NASA has noted, photos prove the Moon is the same size whether near the horizon or high in the sky. The perceived size difference is an illusion rooted in how our brains process visual information against terrestrial objects like trees and buildings, tricking the eye into believing the Moon is larger than it actually is. Despite the lack of a satisfying scientific explanation for the illusion, it remains one of the most stunning parts of the visual experience.
Skywatchers are advised to find a spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon at sunset on October 6th and the nights immediately following to fully appreciate the dramatic rise of the colossal Harvest Supermoon.
