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October-Harvest-Supermoon Dazzles Skywatchers Globally in Rare Autumn Alignment By [BBC News Science Correspondent] The first of the year’s supermoons, coinciding with the traditional Harvest Moon, illuminated skies across the globe earlier this week, offering a spectacular visual display for amateur astronomers and casual observers alike. The celestial alignment, which peaked on the night of Monday, 6 October, and into the early hours of Tuesday, 7 October, saw the Moon appear noticeably larger and brighter than average, a convergence of two distinct lunar phenomena that occurs only rarely. Dubbed the 'October Harvest Supermoon', the event garnered widespread attention as millions looked up to witness the full lunar disc at its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. The spectacular rise was captured in photographs from London to New York, often showing the Moon radiating an exaggerated golden-orange hue as it climbed above the eastern horizon. Understanding the Double Phenomenon The dramatic appearance was the result of two factors intersecting in the lunar cycle. The designation "Supermoon" is a widely used term for a full moon that occurs when the Moon is near perigee—its closest point to Earth in its orbit. On the night of its peak illumination, the Moon was calculated to be approximately 361,459 kilometres (224,599 miles) from Earth, positioning it significantly closer than its average distance. Astronomical calculations suggest that this proximity made the Moon appear up to 14 per cent larger and about 30 per cent brighter than the year's most distant full moon, known as a micromoon.
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While these visual metrics can be subtle, the proximity of the Moon to the horizon at moonrise often triggers the "moon illusion," an optical effect where the brain perceives the lunar body as far larger due to surrounding landscape references. Simultaneously, the Moon carried the historic name of the Harvest Moon. This title is bestowed upon the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox, which typically occurs in September. However, due to the timing of the lunar calendar this year, the October full moon claimed the traditional moniker. “It is the blending of these two concepts that made this week’s event so noteworthy,” explained Professor Helena Vance, an astrophysicist at the Royal Astronomical Society, speaking to BBC News. “The term 'Harvest Moon' is rooted in centuries of agricultural tradition, providing maximum moonlight right after sunset for several consecutive nights—a crucial aid to farmers before the advent of electric lighting. When you combine that historical significance with the amplified visual effect of a Supermoon, you create a spectacle that truly captures the public imagination. ” Historical Context and Rarity The unusual pairing of the Harvest Moon title with an October date adds to the event’s rarity.
In most years, the Harvest Moon occurs in September. An October Harvest Moon, followed by a Supermoon status, happens approximately every three to four years, with the last instance observed in 2020. The effect is particularly pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere, where the angle of the ecliptic causes the moonrise times to be notably closer together in the days following the full moon, extending the period of helpful, bright evening light. While the primary effect is visual, scientists confirm that the Supermoon alignment does have a measurable, albeit marginal, physical impact on Earth. The Moon’s increased gravitational pull due to its proximity resulted in slightly higher-than-average tides, known as perigean spring tides. “We saw predictable, minor variations in coastal tidal ranges globally,” confirmed Dr. Simon Bell, a marine analyst. “However, the notion that Supermoons cause seismic activity or extreme weather is firmly rooted in folklore and has no basis in modern science.
The gravitational changes, while present, are minimal and pose no threat to coastal infrastructure. ” Outlook and Continuing Spectacles For those who missed the peak viewing opportunity, the full lunar disc appeared close to full for several nights following 7 October. Moreover, the celestial calendar promises further viewing opportunities later this year. This October Supermoon was merely the curtain-raiser for a sequence of three, with two more full moons expected to reach Supermoon status in quick succession. Skywatchers can anticipate the second, the 'Beaver Supermoon', in November, followed by a third Supermoon in December. The recent event served as a powerful reminder of the accessible nature of astronomy, prompting widespread public engagement. As Professor Vance noted, “Whether you are an experienced stargazer with a telescope or simply a commuter glancing up at the sky, the October Harvest Supermoon delivered a memorable and visually striking display, encouraging us all to reconnect with the rhythms of our solar system. ” The next such alignment is not expected for several years.
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