October's full moon peaks Monday, October 26, at 12:12 a.m. ET.
Sunday evening, October 25, gives the best view, per the Old Farmer's Almanac.
No telescope is required. Find a clear view of the east and look up at sunset.
The full moon is the only phase when the moon is up all night.
A low moon near the horizon looks bigger than one high in the sky.
October was hunting season before winter. Crops were in and leaves had fallen.
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. In 2026 that was September.
It was also called the Falling Leaves Moon and the Migrating Moon.
The moon will be past full by Halloween. A Halloween full moon returns in 2039.
On October 24-25, the almost-full moon passes close to Saturn, up all night.
The Beaver Moon on November 24 and the Cold Moon on December 23 are both supermoons.
Best viewing times, the full story behind the name, and what comes next.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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