The night skies of Pakistan are set to dazzle on October 7 as the first supermoon of 2025 makes its appearance. Astronomers and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) have confirmed that the event will be visible across the country and much of the world.

A supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its perigee, the point where it is closest to Earth during its orbit. This makes the Moon appear significantly larger and brighter than a typical full moon, a spectacle that draws sky-watchers across the globe.

According to Suparco, the upcoming supermoon will look 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter than an average full moon. On the night of October 7, the Moon will be approximately 224,599 miles (361,400 kilometres) away from Earth, creating an awe-inspiring view.

This will be the first supermoon in 11 months, with the previous one last observed in November 2024. The October sighting will also kick off a series of celestial events, as additional supermoons are expected to follow on November 5 and December 5, 2025. Another will occur in early January 2026, though it will fall into the new year’s cycle rather than the 2025 sequence.

Experts note that, on average, the world experiences three to four supermoons each year. These events are popular not only with professional astronomers but also with casual stargazers who are drawn to the moon’s enlarged appearance.

One particularly fascinating feature is the so-called “moon illusion.” When the supermoon rises near the horizon, it can appear even bigger to the human eye, an effect caused by optical perception rather than actual size. This natural phenomenon has intrigued observers for centuries and adds to the magic of the event.

With clear skies, Pakistanis will be able to witness the supermoon in its full glory, making October 7 a night to remember for astronomy lovers, photographers, and anyone eager to experience the beauty of nature at its peak.

By Uzma Sahar

Writes for the Digital Spartans Pakistan magazine, hails from Pakistan