Skywatchers will have a special astronomical treat in October. The full moon that’s coming up isn’t just any full moon; it’s a “Supermoon” and a “Harvest Moon,” which makes it a really special event. This unusual event happens when the full moon is at or near its perigee, which is the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth.
NASA says that the combination of these two things is what makes the full moon in October so remarkable. The “Supermoon” effect will make the moon look not only brighter but also a little bigger than a normal full moon. The moon’s orbit will bring it closer to Earth, making it brighter and throwing sharper shadows. This will make nightscapes with low light look more detailed.
People have loved the full moon that is closest to the autumnal equinox for hundreds of years. In the past, its early rise in the evening gave farmers more light to harvest their crops late into the night. This year, the name falls on the full moon in October instead of September. This happens every few years when the lunar cycle lines up with the calendar.
How to Best See the Supermoon
Experts say that if you want to see this amazing sight, especially immediately after dark, you should go to a place with less light pollution, like a steep hill or an open field. As the moon rises near the horizon, it looks exceptionally beautiful. This is called the “moon illusion,” and it happens when buildings, trees, or other things in the foreground make the moon look bigger than it really is.
You can get a better glimpse at the moon’s surface if you bring a pair of binoculars. Clouds can also make the scene more dramatic, whether the sky is clear or foggy. This heavenly phenomenon is a reminder of how nature and the seasons change. It also gives anyone who looks up a chance to think about it quietly.