Don’t Miss the Spectacular Full Harvest Supermoon: Rare October Showcase – WTOP News

Look up on Monday night for a stunning sight: the full harvest supermoon. Greg Redfern, our sky expert, shared what makes this celestial event special.

The harvest full moon is the closest full moon to the autumn equinox, which happened last month. While it usually appears in September, this year it graces our skies in October, peaking at 11:48 p.m.

Historically, farmers relied on this bright moonlight to gather their crops. There’s plenty of folklore surrounding the harvest moon, adding a sense of tradition to this astronomical phenomenon.

The term “supermoon” isn’t a technical term but has become popular in recent years. It refers to a full or new moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. This full moon marks the first supermoon of 2025, making it a noteworthy event.

While it will shine a bit brighter than usual, the difference may not be obvious to the naked eye. However, capturing it on your smartphone or camera is a great idea. The best time to photograph the supermoon is when it rises in the east, just around sunset. This is when you can really appreciate its beauty, compounded by the so-called “moon illusion.”

Recent surveys show that moon-gazing is growing in popularity, with many people taking to social media to share their experiences and photos of celestial events. In fact, hashtags like #Supermoon and #HarvestMoon often trend during these occurrences, as people showcase their captures and express their awe.

So, get ready for a beautiful show. Tuesday night will offer another chance to enjoy this lunar spectacle. And while we’re wishing for clear skies, let’s also hope for some much-needed rain in our area.

For more insights and updates on astronomy, follow Greg Redfern on his Facebook, Bluesky, and check out his daily blog.

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