Australia’s Harvest Moon kicks off a year of dazzling supermoons
Australia is about to be treated to a season of unusually bright full moons, widely known as supermoons. The harvest full moon of October 2025 marks the beginning of a string of particularly noticeable lunar spectacles, culminating in early 2026 with a total lunar eclipse. For skywatchers, it’s a rich period to plan evening outings, backyard sky-watching, and social media posts filled with lunar photos.
When to look for the harvest supermoon
The full Moon will be at its maximum, or near-maximum, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. If you miss the peak, the Moon will remain exceptionally bright and large on Wednesday, October 8, when it is closest to Earth for the month. In practical terms, this means easy viewing under clear skies: rise with the sunset in the eastern sky, linger all night, and set in the western horizon at sunrise.
Two quick notes about perception: the Moon may appear largest just after dusk when it sits low on the horizon, an optical effect known as the Moon illusion. This can make the early-evening Moon feel even more dramatic than it looks later in the night.
What exactly is a supermoon?
A supermoon is defined by proximity: a full or new Moon that passes close to Earth at or near perigee—the closest point in its elliptical orbit. In some definitions, a full or new moon is considered a supermoon if it occurs within roughly 90% of perigee, or within about 24 hours of reaching perigee. The Moon’s orbit is slightly egg-shaped, so distances vary from about 356,000 km to 407,000 km from Earth.
For the October harvest supermoon, the Moon will be at roughly 359,818 km from Earth, aligning closely with the exact full-moon moment at 2:49 pm AEDT on October 7. Note that this season’s supermoons aren’t dramatically different in appearance from a regular full Moon, but the closer distance can produce a modest increase in size and brightness.
The lineup: more supermoons to come
Following October, November brings another full Moon at a distance of about 356,818 km (full Moon at 12:20 am AEDT on November 6). December features a similarly close Moon at around 356,961 km (full Moon at 10 am AEDT on December 5). Some observers also count the January 3, 2026 full Moon as a supermoon, though it lies about two days after perigee, at 360,347 km.
In short: Australia can expect at least three consecutive supermoons in this stretch, with the strongest and closest of the season arriving later in the fall. The period also includes a brief pause before another cycle of near-perigee full Moons resets later in 2026.
Do supermoons affect tides?
Yes. A closer Moon slightly enhances tides, producing what oceanographers call perigean spring tides or king tides. While this isn’t a disaster-level effect, it’s enough to raise some tides and create interesting coastal patterns—worth noting for surfers, anglers, and coastal observers during the peak nights.
Why the “harvest” name?
The harvest moon name commonly refers to the full Moon near the September equinox. It’s a traditional label from the Farmer’s Almanac rather than a change in the Moon’s physics. Different cultures have celebrated the Moon at this time of year, with the Mid-Autumn Festival in many parts of Asia underscoring the Moon’s cultural significance alongside scientific interest.
What else is on the sky calendar?
If the supermoon lineup doesn’t grab you, several other celestial events are visible in the months ahead. Early March 2026 features a total lunar eclipse, often called a blood moon, which should provide a striking contrast as night falls. The Orionids meteor shower peaks in late October, and December brings the Geminids—the latter widely regarded as one of the year’s best meteor showers.
Tips for observing
— Check local weather forecasts and aim for clear, unclouded skies.
— Avoid bright light pollution; a dark, open horizon helps.
— Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the Moon’s subtle size and brightness changes.
— Enjoy with friends or family; the Moon is best appreciated when shared.
