October 2025 Supermoon: What to Expect from the Year’s First Lunar Spectacle
October 6, 2025, 21:30 EDT
Skywatchers worldwide will be treated to the first supermoon of 2025 on Monday night, as the full moon reaches its closest point to Earth in orbit. According to NASA, the moon will appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, offering a vivid start to a series of celestial events set to unfold through the year.
What Is a Supermoon?
A “supermoon” occurs when the moon reaches its full phase while orbiting unusually close to Earth. This proximity—known as perigee—makes the moon appear slightly larger and more luminous than at other times of the year.
NASA explains that this phenomenon happens several times annually, though differences in size and brightness can be subtle to the naked eye. Astronomers estimate that during a supermoon, the moon’s disk can appear up to 14% wider and 30% brighter than its most distant point in orbit, known as apogee.
October’s Celestial Highlight
The upcoming event will bring the moon within approximately 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) of Earth, according to NASA data. It will be the first of three supermoons visible in 2025, with the next two expected in November and December.
Despite the name, experts emphasize that supermoons are not particularly rare. “It’s not really very unusual,” said Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. “The difference is subtle, and without comparison, it’s difficult to tell.”
Best Time and Place to Watch
The supermoon will be visible worldwide, weather permitting. No special equipment is needed—just clear skies and an open view of the horizon.
However, Pitts advises that the moon may appear most striking when it’s near the horizon, due to a visual effect known as the “moon illusion.” “When the moon is high in the sky, there’s nothing around it to give a sense of scale,” he explained. Observers comparing it to trees, buildings, or landscapes may perceive it as noticeably larger.
What Comes Next in the Night Sky
Astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to more spectacles in the coming year. Following December’s supermoon, 2026 will feature two significant lunar eclipses:
A total lunar eclipse visible across much of North America, Asia, and Australia in March 2026, and
A partial eclipse visible from the Americas, Africa, and Europe in August 2026.
These events will provide unique opportunities for both amateur and professional skywatchers to observe lunar dynamics in action.
A Reminder of Celestial Rhythms
While supermoons have become popular viewing events for casual observers, astronomers emphasize their importance in reminding humanity of the steady and predictable rhythms of the cosmos.
“The moon connects us all,” Pitts said. “Every culture, every part of the world sees it—there’s something unifying about that.”
Whether seen from city rooftops or remote countryside skies, this October’s supermoon invites the world to look upward, if only for a moment, to share in a timeless view of Earth’s natural satellite.
Source: AP News – The first supermoon of the year is approaching. Here’s what to know
