ISLAMABAD: The first supermoon of 2025 lit up the night sky over Pakistan on Tuesday, drawing astronomy enthusiasts to popular viewing spots across the country. The spectacle occurred around 7pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), shortly after Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) addressed international media reports suggesting that the supermoon had appeared a day earlier.
A Suparco official explained that a timing overlap had caused the Moon to appear brighter a night before. The official clarified that the event, known as the perigee, marked the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, which coincided with a full Moon, thereby qualifying it as a supermoon.
The perigee took place at 7pm Coordinated Universal Time on October 6, equivalent to 12am PST on October 7, while the full Moon occurred at 8:47pm PST.
Supermoons are notable for appearing up to 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter than typical full Moons. According to Suparco, the Moon was 224,599 miles away from Earth during this event, making it about 6.6% larger and 13% brighter than an average full Moon.
The brightest supermoon of the year is expected in November, when the Moon will be slightly closer at 221,817 miles from Earth.
The celestial display was further enhanced by the presence of Saturn, which appeared near the Moon to the west on the evenings of October 6 and 7, providing photographers and skywatchers with a spectacular view.
This event marks the first of three supermoons for 2025, with the next two scheduled for November 5 and December 5. Astronomy enthusiasts across Pakistan and the world are eagerly anticipating these upcoming celestial events, which promise equally stunning night skies and a chance to witness the Moon in its strikingly bright and large form.
The October supermoon not only offered a visual treat but also sparked widespread interest in astronomy, bringing together professionals, hobbyists, and curious observers to marvel at one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena.
