Overview: October’s Hunter’s Moon and the allure of a near-perigee full Moon
Long before digital clocks and calendars, farmers in North America tracked the sky to guide the seasons. The full Moon marked critical points in their year, with each month named after the season’s tasks. In October, the full Moon earned the name “hunter’s Moon”—a symbol of the hunting season that followed the harvest. This October, the Moon will not only shine brightly but also appear larger than usual thanks to its proximity to Earth during its orbit.
When to watch: timing, distance, and the perigee advantage
The October full Moon peaks on 7 October at 04:47 local time (Lisbon and Funchal). For skywatchers, the nights of 6 October offer an especially good opportunity to see the Moon at or near its brightest and largest appearance of the month. This cycle’s Moon will be near perigee, the closest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. EarthSky and other astronomical sources estimate a distance of about 361,458 kilometres, well closer than the average 384,000 kilometres. Visually, this translates to a Moon that is roughly 6.6% larger in apparent size and up to 14% brighter to the naked eye—a classic case of a supermoon.
What makes it a “supermoon” and why astronomers debate the term
The term supermoon was popularized by astronomer Richard Nolle in 1979 as a way to describe a new or full Moon that occurs near its closest approach to Earth. While many observers relish the dramatic effect of a near-perigee full Moon, not all scientists embrace the label, arguing that the perceived difference can be subtle and is influenced by lighting and viewing conditions. Still, the spectacle is clear: a fuller, more imposing Moon that can cast stronger nocturnal light and reveal more texture on lunar seas and mountains.
October’s celestial lineup: more than just a bright Moon
October is renowned in the sky-watching community for its mix of lunar and extra-lunar events. In addition to the hunter’s Moon, observers may catch meteor showers, and planets or distant galaxies can appear in clear autumn skies. The month also features a reminder about time: clocks will shift on 26 October in many regions, marking the end of daylight saving time in parts of Europe and bringing earlier nightfalls. As autumn deepens in northern latitudes, the Sun stays below the horizon for longer each day, gifting longer, darker nights ideal for lunar and deep-sky viewing.
Three consecutive “supermoons”? A rare autumn sequence
October’s full Moon is set to be particularly notable because it occurs just hours before perigee. Following October, the Moon will continue its near-perigee trajectory with subsequent full Moons on 5 November (distance around 356,980 km) and 4 December (about 357,219 km). EarthSky notes that these three back-to-back near-perigee full Moons are a rare trio in the lunar calendar, offering a sustained period of brighter-than-usual Moonlight during late autumn in the northern hemisphere.
Viewing tips for the best experience
To maximize your experience of October’s Hunter’s Moon near perigee, consider the following: seek dark, low-light horizons away from urban glare, give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt to the darkness, and plan your observations for moonrise or moonset when the Moon is low in the sky for a dramatic size illusion. If cloud cover blocks the spectacle, keep an eye on the forecast and look for the next clear night—these events recur, and October offers multiple opportunities to witness the Moon in its splendid, near-perigee form.
Bottom line: an October to remember for sky-watching
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual sky enthusiast, October 2025 promises a striking full Moon that doubles as a northern-hemisphere highlight. The Hunter’s Moon near perigee will be perceptibly larger and brighter, a reminder that the sky still has spectacular events to offer throughout the autumn season. Even if clouds intervene, the cycle continues with future supermoons in November and December, keeping October’s celestial shows in memory as part of a unique autumnal skywatching chapter.
Notes for observers
Times refer to local Lisbon/Funchal time. Distances come from EarthSky calculations and are approximate; actual visibility can be affected by atmospheric conditions. Always check a reliable astronomical calendar for the exact moment of perigee and the Moon’s maximum phase height in your location.
