The full moon nearest the September equinox carries the name Harvest Moon for us in the Northern Hemisphere. For us in the U.S., the moon was closer to full last night (September 18) than it will be tonight (September 19). For Europe and Africa, the September 18 and 19 moons are about equally full. For Asia, the September 19 moon is closer to full. So, in 2013, both the September 18 and the September 19 moon can carry the Harvest Moon name. Enjoy watching-watching on these nights!

Click here for best photos of 2013 Harvest Moon

Gary Pescod wrote on September 18, 2013:

My take on tonight’s full moon over the Seaham Coast [in the UK]. Viewed from the Burdon Lane/A19 flyover.

Thanks, Gary!

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.