There is something about a full moon that always feels a little magical, but Adelaide is about to see that amplified by three. Starting tonight, Tuesday, 7 October, the sky above South Australia will light up from approximately 6.30pm, with the first of three rare supermoons that will continue through November and December.
The October full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, will rise just after sunset tonight and will appear slightly larger and brighter than normal.
When a moon moves into its full phase at the same time it travels closest to Earth is what astronomers declare a supermoon. It is at a point when the distance between our planet and its lunar neighbour narrows by thousands of kilometres.
For Adelaide, that means a soft golden orb will climb over the horizon with the best viewing being between 6.30pm-9pm this evening before fading to silver as it drifts higher through the night.
The glow will wash across the city skyline, spilling over the beaches and reflecting on the Gulf.
Even casual sky watchers will notice how bright it feels, especially once the streetlights fade into the background further away from the city.
The next two supermoons in this special trifecta will appear on 5 November and 4 December.
November’s moon will be the closest of the three and the most brilliant.
The final moon in December will round out the sequence and close the year with one last luminous show.
Together all three moons, form a rare lunar pattern that won’t return for several years.
While the difference in size may be small, the effect is unmistakable.
The light is cleaner, the shadows softer, and the sense of wonder much stronger.
For some, it’s the perfect reason to head outdoors.
The best views will come from open areas with an eastern horizon, and Adelaide is full of them. Locals can head to Mount Lofty, Waterfall Gully, the Semaphore Jetty or Glenelg Foreshore to see the moon rise and glow across the landscape.
Astronomers say these supermoons also cause slightly higher ocean tides, known as king tides. The pull of the moon at its closest point creates stronger movement across the coastline, adding another layer of energy to the natural spectacle.
For those near the beach, the combination of bright moonlight and rolling waves will make for an unforgettable scene.
Tonight’s moon is the beginning of something special.
You don’t need a telescope or expert knowledge to enjoy it, just a clear view of the sky and a few quiet minutes.
Whether you watch from your backyard or somewhere along the coast, the world will seem a little brighter. For three nights over three months, Adelaide will shine in the soft light of the universe’s oldest spotlight.
When to See Adelaide’s Three Supermoons
Tuesday 7 October – The Harvest Supermoon
- Rises: around 6.28pm in Adelaide (visible just after sunset)
- Sunset: 7.24pm
- Closest point to Earth: around 10.06pm Adelaide time on Wednesday, 8 October
- Best viewing: between 6.30pm and 9pm, when the moon hovers low on the horizon and glows with a warm golden hue
Wednesday 5 November – The closest Supermoon of 2025
- Rises: around 8.10pm in Adelaide
- Sunset: 7.39pm
- Closest point to Earth: around 12.17am Adelaide time on Thursday, 6 November (approximately 356,800 km away)
- Best viewing: between 8.30pm and 10pm, when the moon appears its largest and brightest for the year
Thursday 4 December – The Final Supermoon of the Trifecta
- Rises: around 8.40pm
- Sunset: 8.31pm
- Closest point to Earth: around 9.14am Adelaide time that same day (remaining near perigee into the evening)
- Best viewing: between 8.45pm and 9.30pm, when it first lifts above the eastern horizon and shines silver-white across the night sky
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