Why October’s Hunter Moon Shines
October 2025 brings a spectacular celestial show for skywatchers: a Hunter Moon paired with a near-perigee full Moon, promising enhanced size and brightness in the night sky. This full Moon is the traditional harvest-time beacon—historically known as the Hunter Moon—and this month it reaches its peak with conditions favorable for observers across Europe.
In Portugal, the Moon will reach full illumination on October 7 at 4:47 a.m. local time (Lisbon and Funchal). The best views often come the night before, so many will enjoy the Moon on the evening of October 6, as it climbs into a crisp autumn sky.
What makes the October 2025 Hunter Moon special
This cycle features a Moon near perigee—the closest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. EarthSky reports a distance of about 361,458 kilometers from Earth, well under the average ~384,000 km. That proximity makes the Moon appear larger and brighter to the human eye: roughly 6.6% larger in apparent size and up to 14% brighter than a typical Full Moon.
The term “supermoon” is not universally defined among astronomers. The original concept, introduced by Richard Nolle in 1979, describes a full Moon (or new Moon) that is near perigee. In practice, the October 2025 event fits well with the popular expectation of a noticeably larger and more spectacular Moon in the sky.
A quick context in this year’s lunar cycle
Earlier in September, the full Moon on September 7 coincided with a total lunar eclipse, offering a dramatic celestial show. After that bright display, the Moon waned through September 21’s new Moon, then began its waxing toward October’s perigee-enhanced fullness. The October Moon thus marks a unique moment in a sequence of lunar brightness that continues into the late autumn sky.
Looking ahead, this autumn season also hosts two other notably close Moons: November 5 at about 356,980 km and December 4 at around 357,219 km. The trio of near-perigee full Moons in a row is a rare occurrence in the calendar.
Other autumn sky highlights to watch for
October is rich in celestial events beyond the Hunter Moon. The nights grow longer and Earth’s shadowed, cooler skies create perfect conditions for meteor showers, including the Orionids in late October and other nocturnal targets such as visible planets and distant galaxies when conditions permit. Additionally, October 26 marks a daylight saving time transition in parts of Europe, shifting evening darkness earlier and making it a prime time to observe the Moon under darker skies in the early autumn.
As the season progresses, the Sun’s arc lowers in the sky, and the length of each night increases by a few minutes daily in the early autumn months across the Iberian Peninsula. That means more opportunities to savor Moon-watching sessions after work or school, without the need for special equipment.
Tips for enjoying the October 2025 Hunter Moon
Observing a near-perigee Moon requires little more than a clear horizon and a moment of patience. No telescope is required to appreciate the Moon’s enlarged size and vivid illumination. Here are practical tips:
- Find a dark, unobstructed view with a clear horizon—rolling hills or a coastal overlook often work well.
- Give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt to the dark for the best sense of scale and contrast.
- If you’re using a camera, a tripod and a longer exposure can reveal surface details, though the naked eye will already notice the Moon’s enhanced brightness.
- Check local weather and be prepared for chilly autumn nights with warm clothing.
- Remember the timing: the peak is on October 7 at 4:47 a.m. local time; plan a Moonwatch around the October 6–7 window for optimal viewing.
Bottom line
The October 2025 Hunter Moon offers a rare, near-perigee spectacle—an opportunity to witness a fuller, brighter Moon with the crowd-pleasing signature of a supermoon. Even in imperfect weather, the month promises memorable nights under an extraordinary sky, with additional autumn celestial events adding to the season’s charm.
