Look up tonight, Seattle: we’re going to be treated to a spectacular lunar event. On October 6, 2025 the Harvest Moon will rise above Seattle. And that’s not all. It also happens to be the first supermoon of the year—there are only two more after this one!
Read on for all the details about tonight’s Harvest supermoon.
What is the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the name for the October full moon. It gets its name from the tradition of farmers finishing the harvest during the light of the full moon around the time of the autumn equinox. According to Space.com, tonight’s Harvest Moon may also have a yellow-orange hue as it rises due to Earth’s atmosphere having an effect on the wavelengths of moonlight.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the full moon reaches its closest point to Earth during its orbit. This gives the full moon the appearance of being brighter and larger than normal. This somewhat subtle effect is magnified during the beginning of the moon’s ascent when it is closest to the horizon.
There are only three supermoons this year, starting with the October full moon. The next two will be on November 5 and December 4. The Beaver Moon on November 5 will be the closest supermoon of 2025. The December 5 full moon is called the Cold Moon, although it’s also sometimes called the Long Night Moon because December has the longest night of the year.
When will the moon be visible in Seattle?
The moon will rise shortly after sunset. It will be at its peak fullness around 3:00 a.m. PST but if you look to the east around dusk to see the moon rising over the horizon, you’ll be able to appreciate the Harvest Moon at its largest and most colorful. And if you miss October’s Harvest supermoon on Monday night, it will still appear full and bright on the following night of Tuesday, October 7.