A spectacular Harvest supermoon lit up the night sky recently, captivating photographers all over the globe. This year, the Harvest Moon featured more magic as it was also a supermoon, making it larger and brighter than usual.
The name “Harvest Moon” is traditionally given to the first full moon of autumn. It signals the close of the harvest season for many in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it occurred in October, which can vary due to the lunar calendar.
What makes it a supermoon? The moon orbits Earth in an elliptical path, meaning its distance from us varies. When the full moon happens close to its nearest point, called perigee, it appears much larger. The Harvest supermoon was about 224,599 miles from Earth—around 10% closer than its average distance of 238,855 miles.
The full moon peaked just before midnight on October 6. However, it remained stunningly bright the nights before and after. Many people took the opportunity to share their photos on social media, with hashtags like #HarvestMoon and #Supermoon trending.
In addition to its beauty, the Harvest supermoon was also a reminder of nature’s cycles. Expert astronomers suggest that observing these celestial events can boost mental well-being. A 2022 survey indicated that 70% of people feel a sense of awe and connection to nature when looking at the moon.
As it was the first of three supermoons in 2025, there will be more chances to see similar sights. The next full moon will rise on November 5, promising to be another unique experience. This November full moon is known as the “Beaver Moon” because it aligns with the time when beavers traditionally build their dams in preparation for winter.
Photographers around the world captured stunning views, from the moon rising over the Statue of Liberty in New York to its reflection over scenic landmarks in Italy and Indonesia. Some shots, like the one from Manchester, U.K., show the moon nestled behind street lamps, showcasing the beautiful interplay of natural and urban light.
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or someone who enjoys the tranquility of watching the night sky, the Harvest supermoon is a perfect reminder of the wonders above us. If you’d like to learn more about lunar phenomena, you can find detailed information from NASA here.
