The phenomenon occurs when the full moon is closer to the ground in orbit, which makes it look up to 14% higher and 30% brighter than the fastest month of the year, according to NASA.
Full Moon Photo: Archive, Truth
This will be the largest and brightest moon so far this year and the first superlance after November 2024. For those who want to admire it, it is advisable to take into account the weather forecast, because the clouds could prevent visibility in some areas.
What makes a full moon superluna?
If the moon is full when it is at the nearest point to the Earth – called Perigeu – or near it (up to 90% of the minimum distance), it can be called “superluna”, according to the BBC.
The term was first used in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe the full months that seem significantly larger and brighter, coinciding with the perige. They may seem up to 14% higher and 30% brighter than other full months.
Some astronomical communities define different superlance, for example, like any full moon less than 360,000 km from the center of the Earth – according to this definition, the October Harvest month would not be considered superluna.
What is the harvest month?
The full months throughout the year receive traditional names that reflect the phenomena of nature. The Full Moon in October is known as the “Hunter’s Moon Moon), but this year is the harvest month.
This is the full moon that appears the closest to the autumn equinox, a traditional moment of harvesting. Also, it rises close to the sunset for several consecutive evenings, providing additional light for agricultural workers.
The autumn equinox of 2025 took place on September 22, and the harvest month usually appears in the same month. This year, it will be visible on October 7, the latest appearance in 1987.
The full moon may seem bigger when it is close to the horizon than when it is up in the sky. In reality, its size does not change, but our eyes perceive this differently.
The researchers do not completely understand the reason, but one of the theories claims that when we see the moon in relation to objects such as trees, buildings or hills, our brain is fooled to consider it greater.
The reddish or orange color of the month near the horizon is not an illusion. The sunlight crosses a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere, and the atmosphere spreads the blue light with a short wavelength, leaving the red and orange shades.
