Newsroom
The first supermoon of 2025, known as the “Harvest Moon,” made its appearance on Tuesday night (07/10). It is the largest and brightest full moon of the year. As you can see in the photos from the city of Larnaca, the sight is magical.
This is the first supermoon since November 2024 and inaugurates a series of three supermoons that will continue until December.
The name “Harvest Moon” is linked to the autumn equinox and agricultural traditions, while October also traditionally hosts the so-called “Hunter’s Moon.”
A supermoon is the informal term for a full moon that occurs when the Moon is at the point in its orbit closest to Earth.
This happens because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but rather elliptical or slightly oval. Therefore, at times the Moon is closer to Earth than at others.
It is also noted that the October full moon is often called the “Hunter’s Moon,” because traditionally October was the month when hunters actively sought meat and other food to prepare for the coming winter months.
Additionally, the full moon that is closest to the September equinox is known as the “Harvest Moon.” In some years, the Harvest Moon is the September full moon, but this year it falls in October.
Historically, this meant that the Moon shone brightly enough to illuminate the fields, allowing for nighttime harvesting.
So, when you look up at the full moon tonight, take a moment to reflect on its historical significance for societies and cultures that depended on it and regarded it as a milestone in their annual calendar.
With information from BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
