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The year’s classic Harvest Moon climbs into view on Saturday, Sept. 26, and this year it shares the eastern sky with bright **Saturn**, giving skywatchers two good evenings to catch the show. Many observers across North America will also see the moon rise again on Sunday, Sept. 27, with only a small shift in timing.
When to watch
The moon reaches full at 12:49 p.m. EDT on Saturday, but the most striking sight is when the lunar disk appears above the eastern horizon at your local moonrise later that evening. The moon will be located in the constellation Pisces, making a clear eastern view ideal for spotting it as twilight fades.
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Across much of North America, the moon will rise only about 25 minutes later on Sunday night than it does on Saturday, so you get a second opportunity to see the full face of the Harvest Moon shortly after sunset.
What makes the Harvest Moon different
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls nearest the September equinox, which occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 22 this year. That proximity changes how the moon moves relative to the horizon.
Normally the moon rises roughly 50 minutes later each night. Around the equinox, however, the moon’s path meets the eastern horizon at a shallower angle, so the delay from one night to the next is much smaller. Historically, that series of early-evening moons provided extra light for farmers bringing in the harvest — hence the name.
Saturn and viewing tips
Saturn will sit close below the Harvest Moon as the pair climbs into the sky, bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. For a sharper look at the planet’s disk and the lunar surface, use binoculars or a small backyard telescope.
To improve your view: choose a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon and arrive before the moon clears nearby buildings or trees. Watching during twilight can make the contrast between the moon and the darkening sky especially pleasing.
What comes next
The next full moon, the Hunter’s Moon, is expected on Oct. 25 or Oct. 26 depending on your time zone. It will coincide with a supermoon, appearing somewhat larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
Quick viewing checklist
- Check your local moonrise time for Saturday, Sept. 26 (and Sunday, Sept. 27).
- Find an open spot facing east with a clear horizon.
- Bring binoculars or a small telescope for more detail.
In some cultures this Harvest Moon aligns with the Mid-Autumn Festival — also called the Moon Festival — which is observed by Chinese and Vietnamese communities on the night of the full moon, according to Timeanddate.com.
