STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The arrival of fall is marked by the Harvest Moon — the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. This year, the Harvest Moon will rise before autumn officially begins, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
This year’s Harvest Moon will rise on Monday at about 7:55 p.m.
While the Harvest Moon is associated with autumn, this particular moon occurs during the confines of the summer season. Traditionally, the Harvest Moon is the full moon nearest the autumn equinox.
Since the equinox arrives on Wednesday, Sept. 22, this year’s Harvest Moon will be the last full moon of the summer instead of the first full moon of fall — yet it will be still closest to the equinox, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
How can I see the Harvest Moon?
A full moon takes place when the moon is on the side of the Earth opposite from the sun.
The full moon will reach peak illumination at 7:55 p.m. on Monday, but won’t be visible until the evening when it rises. NASA said the moon rises in the east around sunset.
If you’re surrounded by trees or buildings, you’ll be able to see the moon as it travels up and across the night sky.
Usually the full moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moon seems to rise at nearly the same time -- just 25 to 30 minutes later across the United States.
Why is it called a Harvest Moon?
It’s called the Harvest Moon because farmers gathering their late crops welcome the light that the moon provides as night falls.
For a few days before and after its fullness, it hangs in the sky like a great glowing lantern, prolonging the light well after sunset.
So how rare is a Harvest Moon during the summer?
Since the autumnal equinox alternates irregularly from Sept. 22 to 23 from year to year, it means that in the overall scheme of things, the Harvest Moon can come as early in the calendar as Sept. 8, or as late as Oct. 7.
“So, a summer Harvest Moon, especially one that happens just a couple of days before the equinox, is not really such a rare occurrence,” said the Farmers’ Almanac.
About half of all Harvest Moons occur during the summer, with the other half during the fall.
What if I miss it?
If you miss the moon’s peak on Monday, you’ll still be able to see it in the days before or after. Or you can wait until October’s full moon peaks on Oct. 20.
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