Harvest Moon and astronomical events scheduled for September 2026

September 2026 will feature several notable astronomical events, most significantly the Harvest Moon. This full moon is scheduled to occur on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with its peak expected at 19:49.

The Harvest Moon is traditionally named for its proximity to the autumnal equinox, providing extra light for farmers to complete harvests after sunset. In addition to the full moon, the month includes the autumn equinox on September 23, 2026, when the Sun aligns with the Earth's equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths.

Other lunar phases throughout the month include a waning crescent on September 4, a new moon on September 11, and a waxing crescent on September 18. These phenomena can be observed with the naked eye, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the view of lunar craters.