Joburg, get ready to do what you do best! Here's how to hustle for the best view as the Moon puts on a show of note over the next few months.
Stargazers are in for a rare lunar hat-trick this spring and early summer, with three consecutive supermoons rising on 7 October (today), 5 November, and 4 December 2025.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full Moon aligns with the point in its orbit closest to Earth (perigee), making it appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full Moon, according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
- 7 October (Hunter’s/Harvest Moon): due to rise at around 7.31pm SAST
- 5 November (Beaver Moon): about 7.34pm
- 4 December (Cold Moon): about 7.39pm
The visible difference is subtle, but when the Moon climbs near the horizon, the Moon illusion often makes it seem dramatically larger.
Supermoon vantage spots and astronomy events around Joburg
Summer time might be touch and go especially with clouds and rainy weather - but for best views in Johannesburg, experts suggest looking for elevated open skies, with minimal light pollution, in the safety of a group.
- Observatory Hill (Gill Street, Observatory)
Home to the Johannesburg Observatory, where the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) holds regular public observing sessions and social astronomy evenings.
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- Joburg's best rooftop bars
For sweeping 360-degree views, with a cocktail in hand, check out Alto234 at The Leonardo in Sandton, the Elevate Rooftop Bar at The Reef Hotel in Marshalltown or the Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.
ICYMI - The 11 best rooftop bars in Johannesburg
- Private stargazing groups
Astronomy Live Joburg will bring telescopes to your preferred location - with various private stargazing viewing rates applicable. They suggest pre-arranged school grounds as the ideal spot as these are usually safe, have good access control and "sports fields" for bigger groups like birthday parties.
- Wits Anglo American Digital Dome
A feast for any astronomy fan, the Wits Digital Dome has cutting-edge 360° immersive experiences that brings science to life for visitors of all ages - See the full schedule and to book here
- Maropeng, about 45 minutes outside Joburg
Maropeng, as the official visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage, hosts stargazing nights with large telescopes and laser-guided sky tours.
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