A gorgeous Harvest Moon is rolling into town and lighting up our Los Angeles skies this late September. Just in time for us to say goodbye to summer — under the enchantment of a glowing full moon.
The Moon will appear full for three days from Thursday evening up until Sunday morning. According to experts, the best time to catch the Harvest Moon is between when the sun sets on Thursday, September 28, 2023 — until it reaches peak illumination at 2:58 a.m. PST on Friday, September 29, 2023. Whenever you decide to catch it, just remember to look up to the skies any time after dark for a glimpse of this celestial phenomenon.
According to NASA, the name Harvest Moon is an old European name that came about as far back as 1706, when Maine Farmers Almanac published older American names for full moons.
It’s also said that the Harvest Moon is an old European name with the Oxford English Dictionary giving 1706 as the year of its first published use. Most years the Harvest Moon falls in September like this one, but in years past it has even occurred in October, like in 2021.
That almanac also shares that the Algonquin tribes (located in what is now the northeastern part of the U.S.) called this the Corn Moon — as this was the time dedicated to gathering crops including corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice. The fall equinox also aligns with the closest full moon, where it is said that farmers are blessed with extra moonlit nights to gather their bountiful harvests.
It’s definitely a time to celebrate natures fruits of labor by bidding farewell to the old and welcoming in the autumn with a lunar showstopper. Be sure to set a reminder to enjoy the cosmic magic, soak up the moonlit vibes, and embrace the season of change. It’s sure to be a sight to see!