Get ready for a celestial spectacle that’s about to light up the night sky—October’s full harvest moon is not just any moon; it’s the first supermoon of the year, and it’s coming sooner than you think. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just a regular full moon; it’s a supermoon, meaning it’ll appear larger and brighter than usual, creating a breathtaking sight you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars for Monday night, when the harvest moon will rise along the horizon, reaching its fullest at 11:48 p.m. ET, according to EarthSky. And don’t worry if clouds roll in—Noah Petro, project scientist for NASA’s Artemis III mission, reassures us that the moon will still look impressively full on Tuesday. And this is the part most people miss: the harvest moon gets its name because it’s the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, historically aiding farmers in completing their harvests under its bright light.
Here’s the controversial part: while many will marvel at its size, Petro notes that the supermoon effect is actually quite subtle. So, here’s a thought-provoking question: Can you really tell the difference without comparing it to other nights? Petro encourages skywatchers to observe the moon regularly to notice its subtle changes over time. This supermoon is just the first in a trio of back-to-back supermoons this year, with the Beaver moon on November 5 and the Cold moon on December 4 following closely behind.
What makes this event even more special is its timing. Just two weeks after NASA announced its newest class of astronauts—who may one day walk on the moon or Mars—we’re reminded of humanity’s growing connection to our lunar neighbor. But here’s the real kicker: early next year, the Artemis II mission will send four veteran astronauts to circle the moon, marking a new era of lunar exploration. As Petro puts it, ‘We have an opportunity coming up very soon, to not only admire the moon from afar but also celebrate humans visiting it.’
If you’re a fan of celestial events, there’s even more to look forward to. Meteor showers will light up the night sky in the coming months, offering plenty of reasons to stay up late. According to the American Meteor Society and EarthSky, here are the peak dates to mark on your calendar:
- 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
So, whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, this is your chance to connect with the cosmos. Here’s a final question to ponder: As we marvel at the supermoon and upcoming missions, what does the moon mean to you? Is it a symbol of wonder, a reminder of humanity’s potential, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation under the light of this extraordinary harvest moon. And don’t forget to sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to stay updated on all things space and beyond!
