The golden glow of the 2025 Harvest Moon as it rises over India an awe-inspiring sight for skywatchers and moon lovers alike (Photo: Pinterest)
In October the stars and the Harvest Moon will offer a cosmic surprise to the lucky stargazers and moon lovers the first among a series of three supermoons lined up as the year closes its chapter.
It is expected to be brightest on the evening of October 6th. This full moon occurs just days after the autumnal equinox and even though the time of year calls for luminous nights in early October it promises brighter full moons at present.
The Northern terminology around this part of the world allows for the use of the term Harvest Moon it refers to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Even though autumn is not much of a season term in India, this phase of the moon falls within what could be called the post-monsoon period roughly the end of September until November with the harvest occurring sometime in October.
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What really makes this moon so special is its behavior it rises above the horizon quite earlier than usual over the next several nights. Its twilight hours get brightened, as well as extended, for quite a few hours. In its golden-orange color with which it appears larger because of low position on the horizon and the effect of the filtering of the Earth's atmosphere enhances its size.
In ages long past this bright moon was very important with very bright moonlight rural farmers were able to complete their harvesting in extended light before the chill of the winter season. The Harvest Moon allowed all this working after sundown, by bringing in grains, fruits and vegetables into the moonlight. The need may be gone, but the show always garners interest from enthusiasts and revelers across the globe.
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The Harvest Moon will be visible to all people in India on October 6 and 7, 2025. Here are the estimated moonrise timings:
Note: The moonset will take place early the next day meaning that you will need to do the viewing in the evening or early night.
The 2025 Harvest Moon is more than a phase it is also an invitation to pause, look up and tune back to nature's rhythm.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Moonrise times and visibility may vary by location and weather conditions.
