Stargazers around the world celebrated the magical Harvest Moon of this year last night (Sept. 20,) which marked the end to the summer season, just two days before the fallal equinox.
Skywatchers in America were able to see the Harvest Moon last night. Skywatchers in Europe, Asia and Australia could also view the celestial spectacle. However, the moon will not turn fully full until September 21.
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Image 1 of 7 A swimmer enjoys the calm Atlantic waters beneath the rising Harvest Moon at Falmouth, Cornwall. Hugh R Hastings's Getty photo. (Image credit Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images. Image 2 of 7 The sun sets on September 19, 2021 in New York City as the Harvest Moon rises behind Midtown Manhattan, One Vanderbilt and the Chrysler Building. This image was taken by Gary Hershorn, Getty photographer. Image 3 of 7: A pilot boat passes by the rising Harvest Moon at Swanpool Beach in Falmouth, England on September 20, 2021. Hugh R Hastings's Getty photo. Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images Image 4 of 7 Harvest Moon above San Francisco. Image credit: McFotoSFO. Image 5 of 7. A 98.8 per cent Harvest Moon rises over midtown Manhattan on September 19, 2021, as the sun sets in New York City. This Getty photo is by Gary Hershorn. Image 6 of 7 The 2021 Harvest Moon, with Jupiter and Saturn, in the New Jersey sky. Skywatcher Alexander Krivenyshev. Image 7 of 7. A near full moon rises over the Statue of Liberty in New York City on September 18. Getty photo by Gary Hershorn. Image credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
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The U.K. saw brave swimmers take to the water in Falmouth, Cornwall in the south to enjoy a dip under the bright moon's light.
The Harvest Moon, also known by the Full Corn Moon and the Full Barley Moon is the time when harvest season begins in Europe and North America. Its bright light has been a source of inspiration for farmers throughout history.
The Harvest Moon is still a popular photo opportunity and spectacle, rising over some of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
The Harvest Moon marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It coincides with a fast shortening day. NASA reports that the sunrise falls to 7:23 a.m. local on the morning of the autumnal-equinox (Sept. 22).
The Harvest Moon, which reached its perfect full phase on Monday (Sept.20) on the U.S. East Coast at 7:55 PM EDT, will remain full until Wednesday morning (Sept.22).
As the most prominent objects in the early evening sky, the Harvest Moon was joined by Venus and Jupiter. Venus was visible approximately 7 degrees above the horizon in west-southwest as the moon rose in Pisces' constellation. Jupiter appeared then 24 degrees above the southeast horizon. According to the NASA guide, Saturn, the most faintly visible planet in the sky, could be seen 27 degrees above the horizon in south-southeast.
