The full harvest moon will take place this Monday, September 20 and will illuminate our night sky like never before, giving way to the autumn equinox on September 22 in the northern hemisphere.
The fall 'equinox' marks the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season, a favorite of many. This year, it will appear in its full phase for a total of three days. As it comes out just 30 minutes after sunset, it takes on a very particular golden hue.
It has been known as the "harvest moon" since 1700, when farmers relied on the brightness of the moon to harvest crops late at night.
"In the days before electric lights, farmers throughout the Northern Hemisphere relied on bright moonlight to extend the workday beyond sunset," NASA said in a statement. "It was the only way they could pick their mature crops in time for the market."
The next full moon will take place on October 21.
2021 Full Moon Calendar:
October: day 21
November: day 19
December: day 19
