Spectacular supermoon lights up the skies above Jersey

Stargazers across Jersey were treated to a stunning celestial display on Tuesday night as a rare supermoon illuminated the island’s skies.

A supermoon appears noticeably larger and brighter than an average full moon because it occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth — a point known as perigee.

The term supermoon was first introduced by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, and Tuesday’s sighting marked the first appearance of the phenomenon since November 2024.

This particular supermoon carried two traditional names — the Hunter’s Moon and the Harvest Moon.

The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon of October, historically signalling a time in the northern hemisphere when communities prepared for winter by hunting and preserving food.

It’s also referred to as the Harvest Moon, as it rises closest to the autumn equinox — which fell on 22 September this year. In centuries past, farmers would take advantage of its bright light to continue gathering crops late into the night.

Clear skies over Jersey made for perfect viewing conditions, allowing residents to witness one of nature’s most luminous night-time events.