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September full moon 2026: When, where and how to see the Harvest Moon
Space • • science
Key Points:
- The September 2026 full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, will occur at 12:49 p.m. EDT on September 26 and is the full moon closest to the September equinox, marking the start of autumn in the northern hemisphere.
- The Harvest Moon will rise in the eastern horizon near the constellation Pisces at sunset, appearing large and yellow-orange due to atmospheric effects like Rayleigh scattering and the Moon Illusion.
- This full moon holds cultural significance, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival in China and the Hindu celebration of Pitru Paksha, while various indigenous peoples have traditional names reflecting autumnal themes.
- Stargazers can also observe Saturn near the moon shortly after moonrise, along with prominent stars and planets such as Jupiter, Mars, and the Great Square of Pegasus in the surrounding sky.
- The event offers an excellent opportunity for astrophotography, with tips including using a tripod, remote shutter, and appropriate lenses to capture detailed lunar images as the moon rises and throughout the following weeks.
