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The night sky will light up with the first of three consecutive supermoons of 2025 appearing on Tuesday night, as the Rare October Harvest Moon rises in the UK around 18:20 GMT on 7 October. This event marks the largest and brightest full Moon of the year so far and the first supermoon since November 2024. Sky gazers eager to witness this celestial wonder should keep an eye on the weather forecast, as cloud cover may hinder the view in some regions.
Supermoons occur when the Moon’s orbit around the Earth brings it closer to our planet, resulting in a full Moon appearing larger and brighter than usual. The term ‘supermoon’ was coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe this phenomenon when the Moon is full at its closest point to Earth, known as the perigee. This October’s Harvest Moon, while not meeting all definitions of a supermoon, will still provide a stunning display in the night sky.
Full Moons throughout the year hold historical names that reflect natural occurrences, with October presenting the Hunter’s Moon and Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon, which rises closest to the autumn equinox, serves as a traditional marker for crop gathering. This year’s Harvest Moon appeared on 7 October, the latest occurrence since 1987, and will be followed by two more supermoons on 5 November and 4 December, promising additional opportunities for sky watchers.
An interesting optical illusion accompanies the Moon as it hovers near the horizon, creating a larger appearance in contrast to when it is higher in the sky. While the Moon’s size remains constant, its perception shifts due to surrounding objects tricking our eyes. Additionally, the Moon’s color may appear more reddish-orange when low on the horizon, a phenomenon attributable to the Sun’s light journeying through the Earth’s atmosphere and scattering shorter wavelengths, creating a striking visual effect.
As weather conditions calm after Storm Amy, sky gazers in the UK can prepare to witness the Harvest Moon, with the best viewing conditions expected in northern and southern England. While a cold front may bring damp weather to Northern Ireland and Scotland, skies are forecasted to clear just in time for the celestial event. Cloud cover will vary across regions, offering occasional clear spells for spectators to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Harvest Moon
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