A Dazzling Start to the Supermoon Season
The October harvest supermoon is lighting up the sky tonight, kicking off an exciting season for skywatchers and lunar enthusiasts. This first supermoon of the year will reach its fullest glow around 11:48 p.m. ET on Monday, according to EarthSky. If clouds block your view, don’t worry—the moon will still appear nearly full on Tuesday night.
NASA’s Noah Petro, project scientist for the Artemis III mission, shared his enthusiasm: “The joy of a full moon is that even if you miss it one night, you can still enjoy it the next.”
The Meaning Behind the Harvest Moon
The term harvest moon isn’t just poetic—it’s steeped in tradition. It refers to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, signaling the start of fall. Historically, this bright moon guided farmers as they gathered crops late into the night, its silvery light serving as nature’s lantern.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this year’s harvest moon continues that age-old tradition of marking both change and abundance.
Why This Supermoon Feels Special
This lunar event is the first of three consecutive supermoons that will brighten the year’s final months. A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth—called perigee—appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
“It’s a subtle difference, but those who watch the moon often will notice,” Petro said. “Try observing it over a few days or even months. You’ll start to see how the moon shifts and shines differently each time.”
NASA’s Lunar Dreams Take Shape
Interestingly, this glowing spectacle comes just weeks after NASA announced its newest astronaut class—some of whom could travel to the moon or even Mars in the near future. The excitement builds as the Artemis II mission, featuring four seasoned astronauts, prepares to circle the moon early next year.
“What makes this full moon so meaningful,” Petro added, “is knowing that soon we’ll not only gaze at the moon but watch humans return to it.”
Mark Your Calendar for More Celestial Magic
If tonight’s moon leaves you wanting more, there’s plenty to look forward to. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the next two supermoons will shine on:
November 5: Beaver Moon
December 4: Cold Moon
But the celestial show doesn’t stop there. Several meteor showers will soon streak across the sky, offering even more reason to look up:
Draconids: October 8–9
Orionids: October 20–21
Southern Taurids: November 4–5
Northern Taurids: November 11–12
Leonids: November 16–17
Geminids: December 13–14
Ursids: December 21–22
Each event promises another chance to reconnect with the cosmos and appreciate the ever-changing night sky.
As October’s harvest supermoon rises, it reminds us that wonder is never far away—just look up.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more cosmic updates and stargazing highlights.
