Why it's called the Corn Moon
September's full moon is the Corn Moon, marking the point when corn — maize — was ready to bring in. In most years it also earns the more famous title Harvest Moon: the full moon nearest the autumn equinox, whichever month it lands in.
The Corn Moon in the sky
The Harvest Moon effect is real astronomy: around the equinox, the moon's path makes a shallow angle with the horizon, so for several evenings running the full moon rises only shortly after sunset — continuous light that once let farmers work the fields late.
What the Corn Moon means
This is the moon of results. Whatever the year's cycle was growing is now either in the barn or it isn't. In moon practice the Corn Moon is for gathering, finishing and honest accounting — gratitude included.
When is the next Corn Moon?
26 September 2026 at 16:50 UTC.
Is the Corn Moon the same as the Harvest Moon?
Usually. The Harvest Moon is defined as the full moon nearest the autumn equinox — most years that is September’s Corn Moon, but some years October’s moon takes the title.
Why does the Harvest Moon rise early several nights in a row?
Near the equinox the moon’s path meets the horizon at a shallow angle, so its rising time moves much less than usual from night to night.