Fall is finally here, and so is the most anticipated celestial event of the season—the annual Harvest Moon will light up the sky on the evening of Monday, October 6.
While the Harvest Moon is an annual occurrence, you might be unaware of its history and significance. Here’s everything to know about the phenomenon and where to observe it in Chicago!
What is the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon refers specifically to the full moon that occurs each year around the fall equinox, according to Space.com.
This year’s Harvest Moon is particularly rare due to its occurrence in October, as opposed to its typical date in late September.
The name Harvest Moon stems from Native American traditions, as the phenomenon coincides with the historic time of year when Indigenous tribes would harvest staple crops ahead of winter.
In addition to signaling the start of autumn, the Harvest Moon is also the first of three supermoons in 2025, according to Space.com. A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
Where can I get the best view of the Harvest Moon?
For the best view of the Harvest Moon, stargazers should head to a spot with low light pollution—and there’s no better spot than Chicago’s lakefront.
Destinations like Northerly Island and the Montrose Moonrise Observation Point provide sweeping, unobstructed views of the night sky.