The autumnal equinox is fast approaching, and that means it is time for the harvest moon. This is defined as the full moon closest to the equinox. This year it precedes the equinox by around nine days, occurring in the very early hours of 14 September.
The chart shows the position of the moon around that time, looking south. Our nearest celestial neighbour will be in the constellation of Aquarius, the water bearer. A full moon rises as the sun sets and according to tradition the full moon of September brought additional light to help the farmers who were gathering in the harvest, hence the name.
Also, in the northern hemisphere at this time of year, the moon rises at a similar time night after night. This happens because of the way the moon moves through its orbit, and makes the harvest moon obvious for several nights in a row. Next year, the harvest moon will occur in October, rather than September. The full moon following the harvest moon is colloquially termed the hunter’s moon.
