Skywatchers should look up tonight, Saturday 26 September, as September’s full Moon makes an appearance just days after the autumn equinox.
Known traditionally as the Harvest Moon, it officially reaches its fullest phase at 5.49pm BST. At that point the Moon will still be below the horizon across much of the UK, but it will rise shortly afterwards.
Throughout Saturday evening it should appear beautifully bright and almost perfectly full, making it well worth watching for as darkness falls.
🌾 Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
The name is given to the full Moon occurring closest to the autumn equinox.
Its connection with harvesting goes back generations. Before modern machinery and artificial lighting, the bright moonlight arriving soon after sunset provided farmers with valuable extra light, allowing them to continue gathering crops into the evening.
So, if skies are clear where you are tonight, keep an eye towards the horizon after sunset for September’s Harvest Moon. 🌕✨
Will you be looking out for it?
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