Lexington, Kentucky, October 5, 2025
News Summary
On October 6, stargazers in Lexington, Kentucky, will witness the first supermoon of the year, coinciding with the harvest moon. This phenomenon makes the moon appear 14% larger and 30% brighter, creating a captivating display for skywatchers. The event offers multiple viewing opportunities as the moon will look full on both October 5 and 7 as well. Local astronomy clubs will also host events to engage the community in this celestial spectacle.
Lexington, Kentucky will witness the first supermoon of 2025, coinciding with the harvest moon on October 6 at 11:47 PM EDT. This event promises to offer a spectacular view as supermoons typically appear approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than the moon at its farthest distance from Earth, a phenomenon that captures the attention of skywatchers and casual observers alike.
A supermoon occurs when either a new or full moon happens while the moon is within 90% of its closest orbit to Earth, known as perigee. Though not an official designation used by astronomers, the term “supermoon” has become widely recognized and indicates the “biggest and brightest” full moons of the year.
October’s full moon, known as the harvest moon, is significant as it pertains to the harvesting period for crops in the Northern Hemisphere. Named for its association with agricultural activities, this moon transitions from September to October every two to three years, with the last occurrence in October taking place in 2020. Various monikers for this month’s full moon include “moon when corn is taken in,” “big chestnut moon,” and “seed moon,” reflecting traditional and Indigenous connections to nature and agriculture.
The harvest supermoon will first rise over Lexington-Fayette at approximately 6:53 PM on October 6. The night is expected to be mainly clear, with some chances of spotty thunderstorms and temperatures dropping to around 63°F, according to local weather forecasts. Stargazers planning to view the supermoon should also note that the moon will appear full the night before, on October 5, and the night after, on October 7, providing ample opportunities for viewing.
In addition to the harvest supermoon, October 2025 is set to feature various cosmic events, including the visible appearance of three comets, the Orionid meteor shower, and the planet Mercury observable shortly after sunset. Following the harvest supermoon, two additional supermoons are scheduled to occur later in the year.
For those interested in astronomy, the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club is hosting stargazing events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill on October 11 and at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary on October 18, providing a great chance to learn more about celestial events while enjoying the beauty of the night sky.
Key Features of the Harvest Supermoon in October 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Peak | October 6, 2025 at 11:47 PM EDT |
| Visibility in Lexington | Mainly clear night with low of 63°F |
| Moon Rise Time | 6:53 PM EDT |
| Other Events in October | Orionid meteor shower, visibility of three comets, and Mercury after sunset |
| Upcoming Stargazing Events | October 11 at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, October 18 at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary |
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon is classified as a new or full moon occurring when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter.
Why is it called the harvest moon?
The harvest moon is named for its role in agricultural harvesting, typically occurring during the time when crops are gathered in the Northern Hemisphere.
When will the next full moon occur after the harvest supermoon?
After the harvest supermoon, there will be two additional full moons in 2025, both of which will also be classified as supermoons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Supermoon
- WHAS11: Supermoon and Eclipse
- Google Search: Harvest Moon
- Fox 56 News: Celestial Trifecta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lunar Eclipse
- Kentucky.com: Weather Update
- Google News: Celestial Events October 2025
- Kentucky.com: Moon Viewing Tips
- Google Scholar: Astronomy Celestial Events
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
