Nashville, TN – Residents across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama are set to enjoy a spectacular sight Tuesday night as a Super Harvest Moon rises over the Tennessee Valley, appearing larger and 30% brighter than usual.
According to astronomers, this event combines two lunar phenomena: a supermoon, which occurs when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, and the Harvest Moon, the full moon nearest to the autumn equinox. The pairing creates one of the brightest moons of the year and a striking orange glow at moonrise.
The Moon reaches full illumination at 3:48 a.m. GMT (10:48 p.m. CDT Monday), but the best time to watch will be just after sunset Tuesday, when it rises over the eastern horizon. This year’s occurrence is rare—only the 18th early-October Harvest Moon in 80 years, astronomers note.
Weather conditions across much of the region look favorable, with mostly clear skies expected from Little Rock to Nashville to Huntsville. Stargazers are encouraged to find open spaces or high vantage points, away from city lights, to see the full brilliance of the moon.
Will you be watching the Super Harvest Moon? Share your photos and favorite viewing spots below!
