After Storm Amy clears away, Britain is set for a treat: the first supermoon of 2025. This harvest moon will rise around 18:20 BST on Tuesday, October 7, casting a warm glow just as many are returning home.
The full moon is best viewed close to sunset, appearing largest when near the horizon. While moonrise times may vary slightly by location, most places in the UK can expect an impressive view around that time.
Here’s a quick look at moonrise times for some major cities:
- London: 18:20
- Birmingham: 18:23
- Manchester: 18:27
- Cardiff: 18:22
- Belfast: 18:31
- Edinburgh: 18:28
- Glasgow: 18:29
Weather plays a big role in our moon-watching plans. Following Storm Amy, the skies will clear in many areas. However, Northern Ireland and Scotland may experience cloudy spells early on. The best chances for a good view will be in northern and southern England, particularly if you monitor the weather as the evening approaches.
So, what’s the deal with this supermoon? The moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, meaning it sometimes gets closer than usual, a point known as perigee. When a full moon occurs close to this point, it appears larger and brighter. Many consider a full moon to qualify as “super” if it’s within 90% of its closest approach. This one definitely fits the bill, looking up to 14% wider and about 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
This full moon is dubbed the harvest moon as it’s closest to the autumn equinox, which this year was on September 22. Farmers relish this moonlight for extra daytime hours to gather crops. Interestingly, this harvest moon on October 7 is the latest occurrence since 1987. In folklore, it’s also referred to as the hunter’s moon.
Have you ever noticed that the moon seems larger when it’s close to the horizon? That’s a visual trick our brains play. Your brain perceives it as larger when compared to nearby objects, like rooftops or trees. The color also changes; near the horizon, the atmosphere scatters blue light, leaving the reds and oranges, giving it a warm glow.
If you want to capture a great photo, here are some easy tips:
- Find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
- Arrive early to check the sky and set up your shot.
- Use a tripod or stabilize your phone to avoid blur.
- Don’t use flash. Decrease exposure on your phone to retain moon details.
- A longer lens can help frame a bigger moon, while a wider one captures the scene’s context.
- If clouds roll in, be patient—breaks often appear around sunset.
As for tides, expect slightly higher ranges for a few days due to the supermoon. Coastal areas should note that while the supermoon contributes a small boost, windy conditions and low pressure have a larger impact on flooding risks. Many outdoor enthusiasts, like anglers and birdwatchers, also observe livelier wildlife during moonlit nights.
If you miss this supermoon, don’t worry! A couple more will follow on November 5 and December 4, giving you additional chances to witness this stunning sight.
In summary, the supermoon on October 7 promises a brilliant sky for many across the UK. With the right planning and weather conditions, you can enjoy a beautiful evening under the glowing harvest moon.
