This year’s Harvest Moon is a supermoon that will shine for three full days.
The Harvest Moon differs from all other full moons in that it is not tied to a specific month, but to the timing of the autumnal equinox, which can occur in September or October. This year it falls on September 22.
Here are some quick facts about what makes September’s full moon so special.
When is the full moon in September?
The Harvest Moon will be visible on Monday evening, September 16, and will be at its peak on Tuesday evening, September 17 at 9:34 PM ET.
Why is it called the harvest moon?
The Harvest Moon got its name from the abundance of bright moonlight in the early evening hours, when farmers were harvesting their crops. They worked late into the night, as fall began, for electricity.
Unlike other full moons, the Harvest Moon rises at nearly the same time for the few nights surrounding it, just 25 to 30 minutes later each day, compared to the average 50 minutes later each day throughout the year. It also rises very close to sunset for those few nights, making it appear as a full moon for three days in a row.
This year’s Harvest Moon will also be a supermoon, the second in a row.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon orbits closest to Earth at the same time the moon is full. According to NASA, the full moon appears brighter and larger than a normal full moon at about 226,000 miles from Earth, hence the term supermoon.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon, the Hunter’s Moon, will occur on Thursday, October 17 at 6:26 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Full Moon September 2024: When Can You See the Harvest Supermoon in Oklahoma?
