What is 'Harvest Moon' and why it is so unique? When to watch September's spectacular Full Moon - Check date, time and more details

This is the moment skywatchers have been waiting for, as the night sky is about to put on one of fall’s most beautiful shows. September’s full moon, known this year as the Harvest Moon, will light up the sky this weekend, giving stargazers across the United States plenty of reasons to look up. But this isn’t simply another full moon. There is a tradition linking the Harvest Moon with the seasonal changes, as well as a rare phenomenon involving the rising of the full moon that makes the moon appear full for several consecutive days. This year, there is even more to see, since Saturn is going to be located near the moon. The Harvest Moon is at its brightest on Saturday, September 26; however, it happens during daylight hours across North America, but the most spectacular views will arrive after sunset.

WHAT IS THE HARVEST MOON AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

Harvest Moon is nothing but the full moon that happens closest to the autumn equinox, which was on September 22 this year. The term originates from past agriculture days when farmers harvested their crops in the evening after dark using the light of the moon. It has some intriguing astronomical facts backing up its claim as well. Normally, the moon appears approximately 50 minutes later in the sky during each passing day. However, for a few days during the Harvest Moon, this difference can reduce to around 20 to 30 minutes, producing several evenings when a bright moon rises relatively soon after sunset.



It should be noted that the Harvest Moon does not have to be larger, brighter or more orange than other full Moons. The uniqueness of this natural phenomenon lies in the unusually short duration of the time that elapses from one moonrise to another evening. This occurs due to the angle of inclination of the Moon’s orbit to the horizon in autumn.

WHEN TO WATCH SEPTEMBER’S FULL MOON - AND LOOK FOR SATURN

This full illumination phase will occur at 12:49 PM ET on Saturday. Since this time is daytime for the United States, people interested in viewing the phenomenon are advised to go out soon after sunset and look towards the eastern sky. Besides this interesting event, Saturn, which will have a golden hue, will be positioned very close to the Harvest Moon. Neptune, which will be positioned in the vicinity of the moon, will also be visible but using a telescope or binoculars.