Australia’s Harvest Moon Opens a Season of Supermoons
Tonight’s harvest moon marks the start of a rare run of supermoons visible from Australia, with two more full moons — in November and December — also classed as supermoons. Some observers may even count a January 2026 full moon as a supermoon depending on the criteria. This string of close-approach full moons is a natural rhythm of the Moon’s slightly off‑circular orbit around Earth, and it promises extra-bright, easy-to-see full moons across the spring and early summer skies.
When is the best time to observe the harvest supermoon?
The Moon will be at its fullest on Tuesday, October 7, but if you miss that peak, the Moon will still appear exceptionally large and bright on Wednesday, October 8, when it is closest to Earth for October. The moonrise will occur at sunset in the eastern sky, and it will be visible all night, setting in the western sky at sunrise. A familiar optical quirk known as the Moon illusion makes it seem largest shortly after dusk when the Moon sits low on the horizon.
What exactly makes a moon a “supermoon”?
A supermoon is not a formal astronomical term, but it is widely used to describe a full (or new) Moon that comes unusually close to Earth at perigee. Some researchers define a supermoon as a full or new Moon within about 90% of its closest approach to Earth, while others require the event to occur within 24 hours of perigee. The Moon’s orbit is slightly egg-shaped, bringing it closer to Earth at perigee (roughly 356,355 km) and farther at apogee (about 406,725 km).
For the harvest supermoon, the distance to Earth is about 359,818 km, with the exact alignment of Moon, Earth, and Sun occurring at 2:49 pm AEDT on October 7. It won’t be the closest of the season, but it will still look impressively bright to skywatchers.
How many supermoons are coming this season?
Following October, November 5’s full moon will reach 356,818 km, and December 4’s full moon will reach 356,961 km. Some observers may also count January 3, 2026, as a supermoon, though it sits about two days after its closest approach at 360,347 km. The next true peak of a full supermoon won’t arrive until November 25, 2026.
Why are there multiple supermoons in a row?
Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland explains that when a full moon lines up near perigee, adjacent full moons are also unusually close to Earth. The Moon completes an orbit about every 29 days, and the Earth-Sun alignment at each full moon varies. This combination can produce a short run of supermoons, then a return to more typical distances as the Moon’s orbital geometry shifts with the seasons.
Do supermoons affect tides?
Yes. Supermoons boost tidal ranges through perigean spring tides, or king tides. While the Moon’s gravity always affects tides, a closer Moon enhances the high tides and can influence coastal conditions in visible ways along Australia’s shores.
Why the harvest moon name?
The harvest moon is a term from the Old Farmer’s Almanac describing the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. While the name is rooted in harvest lore, many cultures, including those in Australia, have long celebrated the Moon around this seasonal transition. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese culture shares a similar timing and significance in East Asia.
Other celestial highlights in the coming months
If the harvest moon isn’t enough celestial drama, you can look forward to a total lunar eclipse — the so-called blood moon — visible from all of Australia in March 2026. Earlier in October, the Orionids meteor shower peaks on October 21–22. December also brings the Geminids meteor shower, which experts say is among the year’s best meteor displays.
Tips for best viewing
• Check clear skies: cloudless nights make the difference.
• Find an unobstructed eastern horizon for moonrise.
• Let your eyes adjust to darkness for about 15–20 minutes.
• Bring binoculars if you want a closer look at lunar features, though the naked eye is often enough to enjoy the spectacle.
Bottom line
The harvest supermoon kicks off a sequence of bright full moons that offer reliable viewing opportunities across Australia. With several supermoons and major sky events ahead, stargazing enthusiasts have a calendar worth marking for the upcoming months.
