First Supermoon of 2025 lights up UAE night skies
Spectators capture glowing lunar views through telescopes and smartphones
DUBAI – Dubai’s night sky came alive on Tuesday as the year’s first Supermoon – the luminous Hunter’s Moon – rose over the Emirates, attracting skywatchers to open-air gatherings and observation sessions.
The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) hosted an evening event at Al Awir Second Park, where astronomy enthusiasts of all ages observed the phenomenon through high-powered telescopes from 7 pm onwards.
Participants were guided through the science and cultural heritage of the Hunter’s Moon, which traditionally follows the Harvest Moon and once helped hunters track game after the harvest season. DAG experts explained lunar features visible through telescopes, while visitors enjoyed smartphone astrophotography sessions capturing the moon’s craters and glowing rim.
What makes it a Supermoon?
The Hunter’s Supermoon occurs when the full moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear about 14 percent larger and up to 30 percent brighter than usual. This month’s event offered one of the most striking lunar views of the year, further enhanced by the “moon illusion”, which makes the moon seem even bigger when seen near the horizon against city skylines or trees.
What’s next in the night sky?
Astronomy enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for more cosmic displays. The Orionids meteor shower will streak across UAE skies between October 21 and 22, followed by the Beaver Supermoon on November 5 – expected to be the largest of the year.
Two more celestial highlights – the Leonids in mid-November and the Cold Moon on December 4 – will close out an extraordinary stargazing season for the UAE.