Jordan is set to witness a unique astronomical phenomenon that will grace the Kingdom's skies next Tuesday.

Arab Weather - According to Dr. Ammar Al-Sakaji, head of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, Jordan's skies will witness a unique astronomical event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with an astronomical phenomenon eagerly awaited by astronomy and photography enthusiasts.

Jordan is set to witness a unique astronomical phenomenon that will grace the Kingdom's skies next Tuesday.

What is this astronomical phenomenon?

According to the association, the full moon will be at 6:47 a.m. Jordan time, approximately ten minutes after the moon sets, appearing red behind the western horizon. The full moon will be in the constellation of Pisces, marking the first, largest, and brightest supermoon of 2025. Two more supermoons will follow on November 5 and December 4.

What is the name of the full moon expected next Tuesday?

This full moon is called the "Harvest Full Moon" because it is closest to the autumnal equinox, which occurred on September 22nd. This name is associated with harvest seasons in Anglo-Saxon civilizations. One of its characteristics is that it rises for consecutive days at relatively close times, especially at higher latitudes, according to Al-Sakaji.

The president of the Astronomical Society pointed out that this scene produces a visually captivating full moon low on the horizon, ideal for photography or for enjoying the beauty of the autumn sky at sunrise and sunset. On Tuesday, the moon sets at 6:36 a.m. and rises again at 6:17 p.m., remaining above the horizon for nearly the entire night. This period, which is approximately half of a full apparent lunar day, is typical for the full moon phase.

Al-Sakaji explained that, “In most years, the Harvest Moon appears in September, but every three years, it occurs in October. If it occurs in September, it replaces the Corn Moon, but if it is delayed until October, it replaces the Hunter’s Moon.” He explained that a supermoon is a relative term that refers to a full moon that is at least 90% closer to lunar perigee in its orbit. In this case, the moon appears about 14% larger and about 30% brighter than a normal full moon at lunar apogee.

Astronomical calculations for this full moon show that the distance between the Earth and the moon on Tuesday morning is 361,458 km, while the distance of the subsequent apogee is 406,445 km (October 24 at 2:31 AM Jordan time), while the subsequent perigee is 359,819 km (October 8 at 3:35 PM). Based on these values, the standard percentage is 96.5%, which is higher than 90%, which confirms the classification of the October full moon as a supermoon according to the supermoon standards, according to Al-Sakaji.

What are the environmental effects of a supermoon?

He pointed out that the environmental impacts of the supermoon are very limited. Regarding the tides, its effect is slightly increased due to its proximity to Earth: in the Gulf of Aqaba, using the cubic tide equation to calculate the lunar pull, the tide is expected to rise about 18 centimeters above the usual spring level, only about one centimeter lower than the highest perigee tide that will occur two days later. The increased brightness of the moon also contributes to improved nighttime illumination, enhancing visibility and making nights more suitable for outdoor activities and harvesting.

However, he continued, the supermoon "does not cause radical changes in the environment, and is not related to earthquakes or natural disasters. Its effects are limited to minor differences, such as the coverage of slightly larger areas of beaches or coral reefs by tidal waters, which may have a limited impact on marine organisms in tidal zones. If the supermoon coincides with strong storms or depressions, it could amplify coastal flooding, but this remains a secondary factor."

On land, the most significant impact is an increase in nighttime light by up to 30% compared to a normal full moon. This may slightly affect the behavior of some nocturnal animals, such as bats, migratory birds, and insects, and may cause some minor sleep disturbances due to its brightness, but these remain within normal limits, according to the association.

Al-Sakaji added, "Although the supermoon is a natural scientific phenomenon, it has been surrounded over the ages by astrological myths and legends that link it to disturbed behavior, increased crime, or even the outbreak of wars and disasters. However, recent studies have confirmed that its only physical effect is a slight increase in the tides, not exceeding a few centimeters, along with a higher brightness of the moon. Thus, the supermoon remains a dazzling visual event that reminds us of the beauty and order of the universe, not a source of superstitious or astrological influences."

Expected weather conditions next Tuesday, October 7

Coinciding with the appearance of the Harvest Moon in the Kingdom's skies next Tuesday, the weather is expected to be mild autumnal across most regions during the daytime, while the weather will generally be cool to relatively cold. And God knows best.