The Harvest Moon will rise tomorrow evening (October 7), marking the start of a run of three consecutive Super-Moons in the final three months of this year.

This October full moon is normally known as the Hunter’s Moon, but will also be known as the Harvest Moon this year because it is the first full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It will kick off a series of lunar events.

This will be the biggest and brightest full moon this year, and the first Super-Moon since November 2024.

If you want to catch a glimpse, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as cloud cover may obscure the view in some places. The best place to see the Harvest Moon will be at the Juana Maria Frail Aged Home ‘Full Moon Walk’, which will be hosted at Platrand on tomorrow evening (Tuesday, October 7). Registration is at 18:30 and the walks (both 2km and 5km) start at 19:00.

There will be food stalls and much more at the start.

So what makes a full moon a Super-Moon?

The moon’s orbit around the earth is not circular but elliptical, meaning that the distance between the two varies throughout the year.

If the moon is full at its closest point to the earth – called the perigee – or within 90% of its closest point, it can be referred to as a ‘Super-Moon’.

The term was first used in 1979  to describe full moons that appear noticeably larger and brighter as they coincide with the perigee. They can seem up to 14% bigger than other full moons.

What is a Harvest Moon?

Full moons throughout the year are given names that reflect what is happening in nature.

October’s full moon is normally known as the Hunter’s Moon, but this year, it is also the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full moon that rises closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally a time for gathering crops. It also rises around sunset for several evenings in succession, creating extra light for farmers working outside.

The next two Super-Moons this year will be on November 5 and December 4.

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