The year 2025 promises a celestial spectacle for moon enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of lunar events ranging from total lunar eclipses to supermoons. Following a 2024 marked by solar events, including a total solar eclipse and a “ring of fire” eclipse, 2025 shifts the focus to lunar phenomena. Two total lunar eclipses are anticipated, the first since 2022, along with three supermoons and the closest approach of the moon to Earth since 2019. This combination of events creates a unique opportunity for observation and appreciation of Earth’s celestial companion.
The lunar calendar for 2025 begins with the Full Wolf Moon on January 13th, followed by the Full Snow Moon on February 12th. March brings the first major lunar event of the year, the Full Worm ‘Blood’ Moon on March 14th. This total lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America, with the moon taking on a reddish hue for 65 minutes during the early morning hours. This spectacle will be followed by the closest Super New Moon of the year on March 29th. The following months continue the cycle of full moons with the Full Pink Moon in April, the Full Flower Moon in May, and the Full Strawberry Moon in June.
The summer months continue the lunar progression with the Full Buck Moon in July and the Full Sturgeon Moon in August. September brings the second total lunar eclipse of the year, coinciding with the Full Corn ‘Blood’ Moon on September 7th. This eclipse will be primarily visible in Asia and Australia, offering a similar reddish lunar display. The naming convention deviates slightly in 2025, with the Harvest Moon title typically associated with September’s full moon being shifted to October. This is due to October’s full moon being the closest to the September equinox.
October ushers in the first of the year’s supermoons, the Full Super Harvest Moon on October 6th. This full moon earns its “super” designation due to its proximity to Earth during its full phase. November follows with the second supermoon of the year, the Full Super Beaver Moon on November 5th. Notably, this supermoon will be the closest the moon has been to Earth since 2019, promising an exceptionally large and bright lunar display.
The lunar year culminates with the third supermoon of 2025, the Full Super Cold Moon on December 4th. This marks the final supermoon of the year, though the phenomenon continues into January 2026. The occurrence of three supermoons in a single year, coupled with two total lunar eclipses, makes 2025 a remarkable year for lunar observation. The close proximity of the November supermoon further enhances the year’s lunar significance.
The various names assigned to each full moon throughout the year are often rooted in traditional folklore and seasonal observations. For example, the Wolf Moon in January purportedly alludes to the increased howling of wolves during this time of year. The Snow Moon in February reflects the typically heavy snowfall in North America during this month. The Worm Moon in March signifies the thawing of the ground and the reappearance of earthworms.
These traditional names provide a cultural and historical context to the lunar cycle, connecting our modern understanding of celestial mechanics with the observations of past generations. The recurrence of these names year after year serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the enduring relationship between humanity and the celestial bodies that govern our skies.
While the scientific understanding of the moon’s phases and eclipses has evolved considerably over time, these traditional names maintain a certain charm and provide a link to a time when the movements of celestial bodies were often imbued with greater mystery and significance. They serve as a reminder of the power of observation and the human capacity to find meaning and connection in the natural world. In 2025, these traditional names will accompany a series of remarkable lunar events, offering a rich and engaging experience for sky watchers around the world.
