What makes October’s full Moon special
The October sky hosts one of the year’s most anticipated lunar events: the Hunter’s Moon, a full Moon that shines with extra clarity as it nears Earth. In 2025, this Moon’s proximity to our planet turns it into a true supermoon, offering a brighter, larger-than-usual view for skywatchers. Records and astronomy portals note the Moon’s delightfully prominent appearance when it rises in the early autumn evening.
When to catch the Hunter’s Moon at perigee
For Portugal, the full Moon occurs on October 7 at 04:47 local time (Lisbon, Funchal). Observers will have the best chance to admire it on the night of October 6, when the Moon is high enough after sunset. The event coincides with the Moon’s approach to perigee, the closest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth, enhancing both size and brightness.
Distance, size and brightness explained
According to Earth Sky, the October 2025 Moon will lie about 361,458 kilometres from Earth, well under the usual average of 384,000 kilometres. This distance means the Moon’s apparent diameter can be around 6.6% larger, and its brightness could be up to 14% more perceptible to the human eye. In other words, not only will the Moon look bigger, it will shine a little more strongly in the night sky—an ideal cue for keen gazers and casual observers alike.
What defines a “supermoon”?
The label “supermoon” sparks debate among astronomers because definitions vary. The term was popularized by American astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, who described it as a new or full Moon that occurs near the time of the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit. While the exact threshold differs, October 2025 clearly fits the spirit of a strong, nearby Full Moon that’s easy to spot without special equipment.
Other celestial spectacles in October
October is rich with night-sky events beyond the Hunter’s Moon. Meteor showers may grace late-evening skies, and planets or distant galaxies can be visible with a modest telescope or even binoculars under dark skies. This month also brings a change in time for many European regions: the daylight saving time shift occurs on October 26, when clocks go back one hour, contributing to earlier nightfall and longer evenings for stargazing.
Three consecutive supermoons—what it means for observers
Notably, the period surrounding October through December 2025 features multiple near-perigee Moons. The full Moon on November 5 and the Moon on December 4 will also be unusually close—distances around 357,000 kilometres—creating a rare run of near-perigee full Moons that provides several opportunities for dramatic skywatching during the autumn season.
Practical tips for observing
To make the most of October’s celestial shows, find a dark, open spot away from city lights. Allow your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt to the darkness, dress warmly, and bring a blanket or chair. While a telescope will reveal more surface detail around the Moon’s maria, a good pair of binoculars or even unaided eyes can still offer a memorable view, especially during a near-perigee pass when the Moon’s halo is crisper and more defined.
Why it’s worth looking up
Even if clouds briefly obscure the Moon, the season’s lengthening nights and the anticipation of future supermoons guarantee another chance to witness the wonder of a nearby Moon. October 6–7 provides a special moment to pause and admire our natural satellite as it graces the autumn sky with extra size and brightness, inviting both casual stargazers and seasoned observers to share in the spectacle.
