September in Chicago means the autumnal equinox, and with it the beauty of the annual Harvest Moon.
The annual celestial event will make for some gorgeous stargazing in the Windy City.
But when will the moon rise and where is the best spot to see it? Here are your questions answered.
What is the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the name commonly attributed to the full moon which occurs closest to the autumn equinox, according to Time and Date.
The name originates from the traditional harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the Harvest Moon in 2026?
The Harvest Moon occurs in tandem with the autumn equinox, with the equinox typically falling around September 22.
Every three years or so, the Harvest Moon occurs in October, according to Time and Date.
In 2026, however, the Harvest Moon will fall on September 26, beginning its ascent at 6:29 p.m.
Where is the best place to watch the Harvest Moon in Chicago?
The best places to observe the Harvest Moon in Chicago are areas with low light pollution.
We recommend checking out lakefront locations like the Adler Planetarium campus and Montrose Moonrise Observation Point for the best view.
