Something super duper is happening upstairs in that dark, mystical sky of ours this week. If you slept through June’s dazzling double meteor shower and missed one of the year’s best shooting star displays in July, then mark your celestial calendars for September 18. That’s when the biggest supermoon of the year is set to grace Australia's skies with its luminous presence.
When is the next supermoon in Australia?
The next full moon is taking place this Wednesday, September 18 – peaking at 10.34am AWST, 12.04pm ACST and 12.34pm AEST (meaning it will likely be pretty darn huge on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights).
You can check the exact moonrise and moonset for your specific location here.
What is the difference between a full moon and a supermoon?
The full moon is an astronomical event wherein the full face of the moon is visible from Earth. This monthly event happens when the moon and sun are aligned on opposite sides of Earth, meaning that 100 per cent of the moon’s face is illuminated by the sun, making it appear extra big and luminescent in the sky.
A full moon gets upgraded to supermoon status when it’s at the closest point to Earth during its orbit. According to NASA, September’s supermoon will be the biggest of the year, but there will be another biggie on October 17 if you miss it.
What does the Harvest Moon mean?
You might know it from Neil Young’s melodic love song, and there’s a reason he chose it as the focal point of the poetic ode to his lifelong love. Coinciding with the equinox on September 22, the Harvest Moon is thought to represent a time of balance, harmony and potent magic, with astrologers suggesting that you should use this time to “cleanse and renew”, and reap the rewards of the seeds you’ve sown. This month’s moon is named for its impact on farming hours in the Northern Hemisphere: with the moon generally rising early at this time of year, allowing farmers extra light to work on their harvests.
What is the cultural significance of this full moon?
According to NASA, there are a heap of other spiritual meanings for this month’s full moon originating from cultures around the world. Some Buddhists honour this moon with 'Madhu Purnima', the Honey Full Moon Festival which is a reference to a legend of the Buddha trying to bring peace between two communities, and some Asian countries celebrate this moon with festivals and by sharing gifts.
How to see the supermoon in Australia?
You won’t need a telescope to take in the full grandeur of the full moon. So long as there are clear skies, you should easily be able to see it with the naked eye by simply looking up. If you want to see it in more detail, you can also use a telescope or binoculars.
When it comes to fully appreciating the full moon, the darker the area you're in, the better. You can find our top spots in this handy guide to the best stargazing spots near Australia.
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