Harvest Moon to rise in early October with orange hue

Skywatchers across North America should be ready for a bright late-season spectacle when the Harvest Moon reaches full late on Oct. 6 and rises over the eastern horizon during dusk on Oct. 7, offering several nights of dramatic views. The full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox will appear unusually large and colorful as it climbs into the sky, providing prime viewing just after sunset for those with a clear eastern horizon.

Astronomical calculations place the moon's peak fullness at about 11:49 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 6, though it will look full on the nights immediately before and after. In North America the best display is expected at moonrise on the evening of Oct. 7, when the moon will appear low over the horizon shortly after sunset. Because the moon will be near its closest point in orbit to Earth, observers may notice it looks slightly bigger and brighter than a typical full moon. The moon will be roughly 224,000 miles, or about 361,000 kilometers, from Earth around this period, making it one of the year’s closer full moons; its closest orbital approach, or perigee, occurs the following day.

Several factors combine to intensify the effect. Light passing through...