The Harvest Moon, the first full moon of the autumn season, will peak on Saturday, September 26 at 12:49 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Although the exact moment occurs during daylight hours, the moon will appear bright and full the night before and the night after its peak.
Why it’s called the Harvest Moon
This year’s September full moon earns the Harvest Moon name because it falls closest to the autumnal equinox, which occurs on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Historically, farmers relied on the moon’s light to work after dark before electricity was available. NASA notes that the moon’s illumination was especially valuable during the fall harvest, when crops are at their peak.
Other names for the September full moon
In addition to “Harvest Moon,” the September full moon is sometimes referred to as the Autumn Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Leaves Turning Moon, Moon of Brown Leaves, or Yellow Leaf Moon, reflecting the seasonal transition from summer to fall.
Upcoming full moons for 2026
After the Harvest Moon, the Farmer’s Almanac lists the remaining full moons for 2026:
- Hunter’s Moon – peaks Oct. 26 at 12:12 a.m. ET
- Beaver Moon (supermoon) – peaks Nov. 24 at 9:53 a.m. ET
- Cold Moon (supermoon) – peaks Dec. 23 at 8:28 p.m. ET
Mark your calendars and enjoy the bright night skies as the season changes.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
