September’s Full Moon | The Harvest Moon

The month of September’s Full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon gets its name from farmers who relied on the moon and its celestial schedule to harvest their crops. Since most crops ripen in late summer and early autumn, farmers would have to harvest during this time of the year. “In the days before electric lights, farmers depended on bright moonlight to extend the workday beyond sunset,” wrote NASA’s Dr. Tony Phillips. “It was the only way they could gather their ripening crops in time for market…and it was always a welcome sight.”

It’s Other Names

In years when the Harvest Moon falls in October, the September full Moon is usually known as the Full Corn Moon because it traditionally corresponds with the time of harvesting corn. It is also called the Barley Moon, because it is the time to harvest and thresh the ripened barley. The term “Harvest Moon” or “Corn Moon,” are used to describe the full moon that occurs closest to fall’s equinox.

When Can You See It?

The Harvest Moon will be especially visible during the overnight hours, even though it won’t usually be “full” until early in the morning. The September equinox occurs the moment the Sun crosses the celestial Equator – the imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s Equator – from north to south. This happens either on September 22, 23, or 24 every year. Meanwhile, in Asia, the september moon turns full after sunset and is also the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is linked to the Harvest moon.

Check out this link for a more in-depth visual of the different Moon Phases.

To make sure you don’t miss the next full Moon, see our Full Moon Dates and Times chart.