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Harvest Moon is first supermoon of the year - when will it appear?

Harvest Moon from Farlacombe Farm, Bickington, DevonImage source, Getty Images

Now that we're into October, our thoughts might be turning to Halloween, but before that, there's another exciting event to look forward to.

On Tuesday 7 October the Harvest Moon will appear in our skies, the largest and brightest full Moon of the year so far and the first supermoon of 2025.

Supermoons happen when the Moon is closest to the Earth, appearing bigger and brighter than normal - up to 14% brighter and 30% bigger than regular full Moons.

But why is this Moon called the Harvest Moon and how can you see one? Keep reading to find out.

What is the Harvest Moon?

Mid-Autumn Harvest MoonImage source, Getty Images

The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full Moon closest to the autumn equinox.

This means that the Harvest Moon can fall any time between September and October.

October's full Moon is known as the Hunter's Moon, but this year it's also the Harvest Moon.

Often we would see a harvest in September, but this year it's happening later than usual.

In fact, 7 October is the latest we've seen it in more than 35 years.

What is the equinox?

The equinox is when the Earth's equator is almost directly in line with the centre of the Sun.

This takes place twice a year - around late March (spring equinox) and late September (autumn equinox).

The equinox this year was on 22 September.

In the northern hemisphere it marks the start of autumn, and south of the equator it marks the first day of spring.

Why is it called a Harvest Moon?

Close-up of wheat growing on fieldImage source, Getty Images

The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full Moon that rises closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally a time for gathering crops.

It also rises around sunset for several evenings in succession, creating extra light for farmers working outside.

Why does the Harvest Moon look orange?

Sometimes people say the Moon turns a deep orange for the Harvest Moon.

This effect sometimes occurs if you glimpse at the Moon when it is close to the horizon.

That's because you are seeing it through the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere, which can cause it to change colour slightly.

When will the Harvest Moon happen?

The super harvest moon rises over the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK.Image source, Getty Images

The best time to view this autumn's Harvest Full Moon is when it rises on Tuesday 7 October, which will be around 6.20PM if you're in the UK.

This month's Harvest Moon will be the largest and brightest full Moon of the year so far and the first supermoon since November 2024.

It will also mark the start of a run of three supermoons, with another two to follow in November and December.

How can I see the Harvest Moon?

Amateur astronomer standing in a field looking up at the moonImage source, Getty Images

The great thing is that you don't need a telescope to see it. Although keen stargazers might use one to get a closer look.

When it gets up into the centre of the sky, it will be shining a brilliant white.

How well you can see it will depend on the weather and if it's a clear night.