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Kenyans joined a global audience in witnessing the first supermoon of 2025, a celestial event that has subtly influenced discussions on policy and resource allocation, particularly in space exploration.
The night skies over Kenya, like much of the world, were graced by the spectacular presence of the Harvest Supermoon on Monday, October 6, 2025, and into the early hours of Tuesday, October 7, 2025. This celestial event, where the Moon appears notably larger and brighter, has not only captivated stargazers but also subtly underscored ongoing global conversations about resource management and policy, particularly in the realm of space exploration.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon nearly coincides with perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit where the Moon is closest to Earth. This proximity makes the Moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. The October 2025 supermoon was also identified as the Harvest Moon, traditionally named for its timing near the autumn equinox, providing extended moonlight for farmers.
While seemingly a distant phenomenon, celestial events and astronomical studies have historically influenced political decisions, especially concerning space exploration and resource allocation. Governments and international bodies consider scientific evidence from celestial observations when setting priorities, allocating resources, and formulating policies for space programmes.
The increasing pace of space exploration, including private space tourism and plans for lunar colonisation and asteroid mining, has brought the discussion of international space law and resource distribution to the forefront. The Global South, including many African nations, has historically advocated for outer space to be treated as a global commons, a stance that contrasts with models promoting privatisation and a 'first-come-first-serve' approach to space resources.
The debate around space resources highlights the complexities of international governance in a rapidly expanding frontier. Treaties like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and more recent agreements such as the Artemis Accords, led by the United States, shape the legal framework for activities in space. The Artemis Accords, for instance, support the recovery and use of resources in outer space, a policy that has raised concerns about equitable access and benefit-sharing among nations.
Analysts suggest that significant events, even those seemingly unrelated like a supermoon, can draw public attention to broader policy issues, creating a 'window of opportunity' for policy discussions and potential changes. This can mobilise groups and increase dialogue around existing policies or the need for new ones, particularly in areas like space policy where public engagement can profoundly affect long-term support for scientific endeavours.
Stakeholders in Kenya and across Africa continue to advocate for inclusive space policies that ensure equitable participation and benefits for all nations. Organisations like the African Union have been instrumental in promoting a unified African voice in global space governance discussions, emphasising peaceful uses of outer space and capacity building within the continent.
While a supermoon itself poses no direct risks, the broader context of celestial events influencing policy carries implications for developing nations. A lack of clear, inclusive international frameworks for space resource utilisation could exacerbate existing inequalities, potentially limiting access for countries without advanced space programmes. This underscores the importance of continued advocacy for equitable space governance.
The precise extent to which a celestial event like a supermoon directly influences public debate and policy execution remains difficult to quantify. While it can heighten public awareness and interest in space-related topics, translating this into concrete policy shifts requires sustained effort from advocacy groups and policymakers. The long-term impacts of privatised space exploration on global equity are also a subject of ongoing debate and uncertainty.
The October 2025 supermoon was visible from Monday, October 6, 2025, through the early hours of Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Two more supermoons are anticipated in November and December 2025. Discussions around international space policy and resource governance are ongoing within various global forums, with African nations actively participating to shape future frameworks.
Observers in Kenya and worldwide should watch for the upcoming supermoons in November and December 2025. Beyond these astronomical displays, the evolving dialogue on international space law and the role of developing nations in shaping its future will be crucial. The outcomes of these policy discussions will significantly impact access to and benefits from space resources for all countries.
