Be sure to cast your eyes skyward tonight (Tuesday) when the Whale Moon, the first of three consecutive supermoons to round off 2025, will light up the night sky.

Known as the Hunter’s Moon in the northern hemisphere, the October full moon has been dubbed the Whale Moon in South Africa as it coincides with the return journey of the great whale migration, when these marine mammals head back south for the winter.

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The largest and brightest full moon of the year, the Whale Moon was visible last night (Monday), and will appear full for three nights.

According to Astronomy Magazine, it presents as a larger than average supermoon.

“A Super Moon occurs when the full phase coincides with the moon reaching (or close to) its nearest point to earth in its orbit, called perigee. This month, the moon will reach perigee on Wednesday morning,” said the online magazine.

Hunter’s or Harvest Moon?

Astronomy Magazine explained that tonight’s moon goes by three names in the northern hemisphere: Hunter’s Moon, Harvest Moon and Supermoon.

October’s full moon is traditionally called the Hunter’s Moon, coinciding with the time of year when people would historically hunt the summer-fattened animals to tide them through winter.

Tonight’s moon is also known as the Harvest Moon this year as it is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox (northern hemisphere), and Supermoon as it is a larger than average supermoon owing to perigee.

First of three consecutive supermoons

Supermoons to follow the October Whale Moon:

• The Beaver Supermoon (northern hemisphere) or Milk Supermoon (South Africa) will be visible on 5 November
• The Cold Supermoon (northern hemisphere) or Springbok Supermoon (South Africa) will be visible on 4 December

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