It’s worth taking a look at the night sky on October 7. It’s the Harvest Moon in Cologne! This very special celestial spectacle can only be observed once a year – and in 2025 it is worth seeing for several reasons. We just have to hope that no rainy days spoil the magical night. We explain what you need to know about the upcoming full moon.
How does the harvest moon come about 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 the Earth at the same time. This makes it appear around 6-7 percent larger and around 13 percent brighter than an ordinary full moon. 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”). 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 Cologne 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. This makes this – hopefully starry – October night a rare and spectacular natural spectacle.
Where is the best place to experience the Harvest Moon in Cologne?
The full moon reaches 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. The best time to observe the full moon is from October 6 and find the perfect spot for a good photo!
Places with an unobstructed view of the horizon and as little light pollution as possible are particularly suitable for observing the supermoon in Cologne. The best conditions are along the Rhine. If you are looking for an elevated perspective, choose the viewing platform in the Cologne Triangle. Parks such as Rheinpark and Schlosspark Stammheim are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural spectacle in a relaxed atmosphere or with a picnic.