TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - This year’s Harvest Moon will light up the skies across the United States this weekend. The full moon will reach its peak illumination on Saturday, September 26. Here’s when and where to see the Harvest Moon in the US.
Why Is It Called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical fall when the length of day and night are nearly equal.
This year, the autumnal equinox falls on September 22, while the full moon will occur on September 26. This makes September’s full moon known as the Harvest Moon. The name comes from its traditional role in helping farmers work and harvest their crops after sunset. Its bright light provided extra illumination during the early evening, giving farmers more time to work in the fields.
When Will the Harvest Moon Peak and When Is the Best Time to See It?
The Harvest Moon will reach peak illumination on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12:49 p.m. ET, according to Farmer’s Almanac. Although the moon will reach full illumination during the daytime, it will still appear full and bright on the nights before and after the peak. This means skywatchers can still enjoy the Harvest Moon after sunset on both Friday and Saturday nights.
However, the best time to see the Harvest Moon is around sunset on Saturday, September 26. The moon will rise shortly after dusk falls and remain visible for most of the night. Skywatchers can look toward the eastern horizon as the moon begins to rise. During the first few hours after sunset, the moon will remain relatively low in the sky, making it easier to observe.
The Harvest Moon can be seen with the naked eye, so there's no need for special equipment to enjoy the full moon. For those who want a closer look at the Moon’s surface, NASA recommends using binoculars with at least 7x magnification. Binoculars with 10x to 15x magnification can provide even more detail.
When it is close to the horizon, the Harvest Moon may appear yellow or orange. This happens because moonlight has to pass through more of Earth’s atmosphere when the moon is low in the sky. As the moon rises higher, the color will usually fade, and the moon will appear brighter and whiter. Weather conditions and visibility toward the horizon can also affect the view, so clear skies will provide the best chance of seeing the Harvest Moon.
Where Can You See the Harvest Moon in the US?
The Harvest Moon will be visible across most states on the evening of Saturday, September 26. The exact moonrise time will vary depending on the location. Here are the peak times for several states across the country:
Connecticut: The Full Moon peaks at 12:49 p.m. EDT
New York: The Full Moon peaks at 12:49 p.m. EDT
Florida: The Full Moon peaks at 12:49 p.m. EDT
Michigan: The Full Moon peaks at 12:49 p.m. EDT
California: In Los Angeles, the Full Moon peaks at 9:49 a.m. PDT
The Harvest moon will be easiest to spot shortly after sunset when it begins to rise in the eastern sky. Those in areas with fewer buildings, trees or other obstructions will have a clearer view of the moon near the horizon.
Aqila Firda Zahro
Read: 9 Night Sky Events in September 2026 You Won't Want to Miss
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