September’s Full Harvest Moon: What to Expect
Tonight, September 26, look east as the full Harvest Moon rises in the autumn sky. This moon is named for being the closest full moon to the autumn equinox, which occurred on September 22 this year.
The Harvest Moon will reach maximum illumination at 12:49 p.m. EDT (4:49 p.m. GMT), appearing fully illuminated as it shines opposite the sun in the sky. As it rises over the eastern horizon around sunset, you may spot its yellow-orange hue, a result of sunlight being scattered by Earth’s atmosphere. As it ascends, the moon’s light will shift back to its silvery luster.
Viewing Tips
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Timing: The full Harvest Moon will rise shortly after sunset, allowing for stunning views against the backdrop of the Great Square of Pegasus.
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Color Changes: Initially, you might notice the moon’s orange color as it rises, due to atmospheric scattering. Once higher in the sky, expect a brighter, more silvery appearance.
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Find Saturn: About an hour after moonrise, Saturn will be visible as a bright star-like object just below the moon. A telescope will reveal its iconic rings and several of its largest moons.
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Observe Lunar Features: With a telescope, you can explore the moon’s surface features, such as craters and lunar seas, all remnants of its violent past.
Enjoy the View
As the night progresses, watch the Harvest Moon track a steady arc across the southern horizon before setting in the west at dawn on September 27. For photography enthusiasts, you can find tips on how to capture beautiful images of the moon, as well as recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Editor’s Note: If you’d like to share your Harvest Moon photos, send your images along with your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
