This month’s full moon over PA will appear larger than usual. Why & when to see it
The first “supermoon” of 2025, which is also the harvest moon, will peak over Pennsylvania soon. Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at its furthest point, according to National Geographic.
A supermoon is defined as either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to earth, NASA reports, and supermoons are the “biggest and brightest” full moons of the year. “Supermoon” is not an official astronomical term, according to NASA, so definitions may vary.
Because the supermoon is the closest to the autumnal equinox, it’s referred to as the “harvest” moon. It’s called the harvest moon because this time of year is important for harvesting crops in the Northern Hemisphere.
The harvest moon switches from September to October about every two to three years on average, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, though the last October harvest moon was in 2020.
This month’s full moon is also known as the “moon when corn is taken in,” “big chestnut moon” and “seed moon.” The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
Here’s when to see the first supermoon of the year peak over Pennsylvania.
When will the harvest supermoon peak?
The harvest supermoon will peak over State College at 11:47 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Monday, Oct. 6, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
AccuWeather’s forecast says the night of Oct. 6 will be partly clear in State College, with a low of 56 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze the night of Sunday, Oct. 5, you can also expect clear skies, while Tuesday, Oct. 7 could see showers and thunderstorms.
The moon will rise over State College at 6:24 p.m. Monday, according to online clock Time and Date.
When to see more full moons in 2025
After the harvest supermoon, stargazers will have two more opportunities to see a full moon this year, and both will be supermoons. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon
- Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon
The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host a free, public stargazing event from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Penn State Arboretum.
