Skywatchers across North America are preparing for a dazzling celestial spectacle: the full moon will peak on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:47 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the arrival of the Harvest Moon, which will also qualify as a supermoon. This moon is called “Harvest” because it’s the full moon closest in time to the autumnal equinox — a tradition dating back centuries when farmers depended on the extra moonlight to gather crops. As a supermoon, it will appear unusually large and bright, thanks to the moon being closer to Earth in its orbit at the time of fullness.

The moon’s deep orange “pumpkin” hue will be most vivid when it’s low on the horizon — right after moonrise or just before moonset — due to atmospheric scattering and the “moon illusion,” which makes it seem larger when framed against trees, hills, or city skylines. Observers are encouraged to look east at dusk on Monday, though Sunday night (Oct. 5) and Tuesday (Oct. 7) will also provide impressive views. October skies will further feature the Draconid meteor shower, peaking around Oct. 8, though the brightness of the full moon will wash out all but the brightest meteors. And while this Harvest Supermoon is spectacular, the Beaver Moon on Nov. 5 may shine even brighter, becoming the year’s largest supermoon.

For Tennessee, cloud cover could determine how good the view is. In East Tennessee, skies are expected to be mostly clear to partly cloudy, giving stargazers an excellent chance to catch the moonrise. In Middle Tennessee, the outlook is more uncertain, with clouds likely to increase overnight as a weather system approaches, which could block or blur the view.

The best strategy remains simple: find a dark, unobstructed horizon with minimal light pollution, and head outside around moonrise. For East Tennessee, conditions are lining up beautifully. For Middle Tennessee, patience — and perhaps a little luck — will be key.

Sources: Livescience, People, NASA, FreePress, Economic Times, Statesman, AccuWeather, National Weather Service, Yahoo

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