Denver, CO – Skywatchers across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming will be treated to a rare celestial event Tuesday night as a Super Harvest Moon rises high above the Rockies, shining up to 30% brighter and larger than usual.
According to astronomers, the event combines two lunar occurrences: a supermoon, when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, and the Harvest Moon, the full moon nearest the autumn equinox. Together, they produce one of the brightest and most striking moons of the year.
The Moon reaches full illumination at 3:48 a.m. GMT (9:48 p.m. MDT Monday), but the best viewing will be just after sunset Tuesday, when the glowing orange moon rises over the mountain horizon. This year’s timing makes it a rare sight—only the 18th early-October Harvest Moon in the last 80 years.
Forecasters expect clear skies and dry air across most of the region, offering near-perfect viewing from Denver and Salt Lake City to Billings and Cheyenne. Experts recommend heading to higher elevations or open plains to capture the moon’s full brilliance against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.
Where will you watch the Super Harvest Moon rise? Share your photos and best viewing spots below!
