If you wondered why last month’s full moon took on the unusual corn moon moniker, here’s your answer. Typically, the name for September’s full moon, this year it’s October’s that gets the famous harvest moon name. It’s also the first in a run of four consecutive “supermoons” that will close out 2025.
Most years, September hosts the harvest moon and October the hunter’s moon. However, the harvest moon name is a movable feast, applying to the full moon that is the closest to the September equinox, which this year occurred on September 22. That makes the full moon on October 6 the harvest moon.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s going on with the harvest moon this year.
When And Where To Look
Though the moon officially turns full at 11:47 p.m. EDT on Monday, Oct. 6, its most dramatic rise will come at moonrise during dusk the following day. In North America, the most memorable view will be at moonrise on Tuesday, Oct. 7, just after sunset. Depending on your location, the moon will rise approximately 10 to 20 minutes after sunset, appearing low in the eastern sky. You can check the time of moonrise where you are, so you don’t miss it.
What You’ll See
Watching the glowing orange orb appear on the horizon — the monthly moment of full moonrise — is a staple for skywatchers. Although you won’t necessarily notice it, this year’s event also qualifies as a supermoon, with the moon just 224,599 miles (361,457 km) from Earth — about 10% closer than average. That makes it look slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon, though the difference will be subtle. That said, the moon’s rise triggers a “moon illusion,” an optical effect that makes it appear much larger near the horizon than it really is. With trees, buildings, or hills framing the scene, supermoons in particular can temporarily appear very large.
Observing Tips
The key to watching a moonrise is height. Choose a high vantage point (such as an attic window, the second or third floor of a building, a rooftop or a beach) with an unobstructed eastern horizon.
While the harvest moon will shine brilliantly all night, it’s at its most dramatic for about 15-20 minutes after rising. This is when it glows orange. Naked eyes are fine for watching the full moon rise, but any pair of binoculars can give you a terrific view.
What’s Next In The Night Sky
The rise of the harvest moon coincides with the build-up to the Draconid meteor shower, which peaks on Oct. 8-9. Expect around 10 meteors per hour, though the moon’s brightness may interfere.
Later in October, attention shifts to icy visitors from the edge of the solar system, with comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and comet SWAN R2 (Comet C/2025 R2) passing through. These once-in-a-lifetime visitors could be most easily visible in the post-sunset night sky around Oct. 20-23, possibly with the naked eye and certainly through binoculars.
The night to circle in your calendar is Oct. 21, when both comets will be at their brightest on the peak night of the annual Orionid meteor shower. That’s also the night of October’s new moon, ensuring dark skies for what could be the celestial sight of 2025.
Beyond that, Nov. 5 sees the next full moon rise — the beaver moon, the year’s biggest supermoon and the largest since 2019.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
