If you’ve been waiting for a reason to step outside and stare at the sky, this is it: the first supermoon of 2025 is lighting up the skies this Monday, October 6. It’s not just any full moon; it’s a slightly bigger, brighter, and more dramatic version of our regular one. As NASA puts it: It’s an annual, worldwide event when moon enthusiasts come together to enjoy our natural satellite. What makes it a ‘Supermoon’ According to NASA, a supermoon happens when a full moon occurs at the closest point in its orbit around Earth, a position called “perigee.” That closeness makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. While the difference might be subtle to the naked eye, it’s still a spectacular sight, especially if you compare it to the regular moon on other nights. When to watch it in India The October supermoon will reach its peak brightness at 11:47 p.m. ET on Monday, October 6, which means 9:17 a.m. IST on Tuesday, October 7 in India. If you miss that exact moment, don’t worry, the moon will appear full and bright throughout the night and even a day after. Pro tip: The best time to watch is just as the moon rises above the horizon; that’s when it looks biggest and most golden.
More supermoons coming in 2025 This October’s show is just the beginning; two more supermoons are coming this year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac: The confusion explained- But the moon isn’t visible in the morning When NASA or USA-based outlets mention that the full moon “peaks” at 11:47 p.m. ET (which is 9:17 a.m. IST), they’re referring to the exact astronomical moment when the moon, Earth, and sun are perfectly aligned (i.e., 100% full). That alignment moment is calculated globally, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s visible everywhere at that exact time. So in simple words, the first supermoon of 2025 will technically reach its full phase at 9:17 a.m. IST on Tuesday, October 7, according to NASA. However, skywatchers in India will get the best view on the night of Monday, October 6, when the moon rises and appears at its brightest and largest. So the viewing window for India is the evening of October 6 till early morning on October 7.
Why is it called the “Harvest Moon” The October full moon is called the ‘Harvest Moon’ because it’s the closest full moon to the autumn equinox, explains the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Traditionally, farmers used its bright light to finish their harvest late into the night. When it’s not closest to the equinox, the moon is called the Hunter’s Moon, a name given by the Algonquin Native Americans, marking the time to prepare for winter hunting. Other traditional names for the October moon include: Bonus event: Meteor shower meets Supermoon This supermoon is arriving the same night the Draconid meteor shower begins, says NASA. However, since the moon will be extra bright, the meteor shower might be harder to spot. Still, it’s worth stepping out for a double celestial treat. What’s next in the sky If you love night-sky events, 2026 will be packed with more action. Two lunar eclipses are expected, a total eclipse visible across North America, Asia, and Australia in March, and a partial eclipse in August visible across the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
The post India set to witness first supermoon of the year:The October moon will reach its peak brightness tonight; here’s when and how to watch it appeared first on Tri-Cities India.