The next full moon of 2026 is almost here. While September's harvest moon reaches peak illumination on Saturday, Sept. 26, it will appear full for several nights, beginning Friday night, Sept. 25.
Unlike most full moons, it rises shortly after sunset on consecutive evenings. Saturn will also be visible nearby.
Known as the harvest moon, September's 2026 full moon will rise and shine for several nights. Here's what to know and when to watch this weekend.
The September full moon, better known as the harvest moon, reaches peak illumination this weekend. But unlike most full moons, the harvest moon is famous for hanging around. For several nights in a row, it rises shortly after sunset, creating the impression that the moon is shining brightly night after night.
That unusual timing is what makes the harvest moon one of the year's most anticipated skywatching events. Instead of rising about 50 minutes later each night like most full moons, it rises at nearly the same time on consecutive evenings, giving skywatchers multiple chances to enjoy it.
Theharvest moon is also unique because it isn't tied to a specific month. Instead, it is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, the autumnal equinox arrived on Sept. 22, making the Sept. 26 full moon this year's official harvest moon.
Most years, September's full moon is known as the corn moon and October's full moon is called the hunter's moon. But whichever of those two full moons falls closest to the autumnal equinox takes on the harvest moon designation instead. That's why the harvest moon can occur in either September or October, depending on the calendar.
Adding to this year's show, Saturn will be visible near the moon after sunset.
When is the next full moon 2026?
The next full moon is the harvest moon, which reaches peak illumination on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The moon officially becomes full at 12:49 p.m. EDT, though it will appear full to most observers on the nights before and after the peak.
Because the exact moment of fullness occurs during daylight hours in North America, the best viewing opportunity will be after sunset Saturday evening.
Why is it called the harvest moon?
Theharvest moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Since the first day of fall arrived on Sept. 22 this year, the Sept. 26 full moon earns the harvest moon title because it occurs just a few days later.
Unlike other full moon names that are tied to a specific month, the harvest moon is determined by its proximity to the autumnal equinox. In some years it occurs in September, while in others it falls in October.
The name dates back centuries to a time when farmers relied on bright moonlight to continue harvesting crops after sunset before electric lighting became common.
Why does the harvest moon shine for several days?
This is what makes the harvest moon different from every other full moon. For most of the year, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each evening. Around the harvest moon, that delay shrinks to only about 20 to 30 minutes.
The result is several evenings in a row with bright moonlight arriving shortly after sunset.
That's why the harvest moon appears to shine for days and why skywatchers often think they are seeing a full moon on multiple consecutive nights.
What time should you watch the harvest moon?
For the best view, look east shortly after sunset Saturday evening.
Astronomy experts recommend finding a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon. As the moon rises, it often appears larger and more golden or orange because its light passes through more of Earth's atmosphere near the horizon.
The harvest moon will remain visible throughout the night before setting near sunrise Sunday morning.
What planet will be near the full moon?
Saturn will be visible near the full harvest moon Saturday night. According to the Farmers' Almanac, the bright ringed planet will appear near the moon in the evening sky, creating one of the more impressive skywatching sights of the season.
Neptune will also be nearby, although it will be too faint for most people to see without binoculars or a telescope.
What are the current moon phases?
🌑 New moon: Sept. 12
🌓 First quarter: Sept. 19
🌕 Full moon (Harvest Moon): Sept. 26
🌗 Last quarter: Oct. 2
When is October 2026 full moon?
After the Sept. 26 harvest moon, the next full moon will arrive on Oct. 26. That full moon will be known as the hunter's moon, one of the most famous full moons of autumn.
Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending and breaking topics across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions for USA Today Network. Reach her at mfrancis@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Is tonight a full moon? When to watch September harvest moon 2026 rise
