This summer we have already been able to experience some special celestial events over Hamburg. The Bock Moon brought the brightest July night ever and the shooting stars of the Perseids have (hopefully) granted us a few wishes. And in a few days, another spectacle will follow: The Harvest Moon in Hamburg! 2025 is worth seeing for several reasons. We explain what you need to know about the upcoming full moon. One thing is certain: it’s worth taking a look at the night sky on October 7.
What causes the harvest moon on October 6?
The harvest moon is also a supermoon! This occurs when the full moon is close to the closest point (perigee) of its orbit to Earth at the same time. The extraordinary proximity to the Earth (approx. 357,400 km) ensures that the moon appears particularly large on the horizon, often with an orange or reddish hue (“moon illusion”). This makes a supermoon appear around 6-7 percent larger and around 13 percent brighter than an ordinary full moon. The difference is usually difficult to see with the naked eye, but with luck we can still catch a glimpse of a huge moon in the sky.
Traditionally, the full moon in October is called the “harvest moon” because in earlier times the intense moonlight made it easier for hunters to stock up on their winter supplies after the harvest. Animals often moved into the harvested fields and were therefore easier to hunt. Spiritually, this particular moon stands for abundance, preparation for winter and is a sign of harvest and stockpiling. Its brightness was regarded by many cultures as a sign of the energetic conclusion of the agricultural year.
And the Harvest Moon in Hamburg offers another special feature: on the night of October 6, the moon is in close proximity to the bright planet Saturn, which makes the celestial image particularly worth seeing. This is because when the (super) full moon is close to Saturn in the sky, both celestial bodies appear clearly visible and relatively close together at the same time. However, the brightness of the supermoon optically outshines the fainter Saturn, so that Saturn appears as a glowing dot next to it. If you want to find out more about the secrets of the cosmos, you should visit this exciting exhibition in the middle of Hamburg!
Where is the best place to experience the Harvest Moon in Hamburg?
The full moon will reach its peak on October 7 at 05:47, with maximum visibility between moonrise in the early evening of October 6 (approx. 19:47) and the early morning of October 7. It can be observed particularly well at moonrise or moonset in a south-easterly direction, when it appears particularly large and orange through the horizon.
Places with an unobstructed view of the horizon and as little light pollution as possible are particularly suitable for observing the supermoon in Hamburg. These can be parks such as the Stadtpark Hamburg (the large meadow and adjacent areas offer a clear view to the south-east), Alsterwiesen and Außenalster. The banks of the Elbe – especially in Övelgönne and Blankenese – also offer the opportunity to see the moon rise directly over the river. But you can also view the harvest moon from above: Take a look here to discover the best rooftop bars in the city!