Harvest Moon: Australians have best seats in the world as ‘supermoon’ set to light up the sky

Stargazers, moon worshippers, tide watchers and light show lovers are set for a truly super night as the biggest ‘supermoon’ of the year, the Harvest Moon, prepares to shine brightly over Australia.

Excitement levels are building as our closest neighbour in the solar system prepares to put on a spectacular show with the closest viewing to the equinox set for Wednesday evening.

The Harvest Moon traditionally arrives late in September or early October and falls on Wednesday, September 18 this year.

Peak viewing times around Australia arrive during the day (10.34am AWST, 12.04pm ACST, and 12.34pm AEST) and as night falls the radiance of the moon is expected to put on a memorable show.

Keen capital city viewers around Australia will be able to optimise their experience at 6pm in Sydney, 6.26pm in Melbourne, 5.53pm in Brisbane, 6.09pm in Canberra, 6.16pm in Hobart, 6.23pm in Adelaide, 6.57pm in Darwin and 6.29pm in Perth.

The Harvest Moon reaches its full phase while being at or near its closest point to Earth.

Because the moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t a perfect circle, the Harvest Moon’s distance from Earth – and apparent size in our sky – differs from year to year.

The full Harvest Moon isn’t necessarily closer than any other full moon and the moon’s distance at full moon varies from year to year. However, in 2024, the Harvest Moon is a full supermoon which will offer the brightest example.

When the Harvest Moon is close to the horizon, it looks much larger than when it’s high in the sky — a trick of the eye known as the “moon illusion”.

For the best effect of Wednesday’s Harvest ‘supermoon’ look out for the moonrise as it hovers low on the horizon which will give you the best chance to witness the illusion that makes it appear even larger.