September’s Supermoon: Harvest Moon in the Adirondacks
The Harvest Moon rising close to sunset in the Adirondacks.
On September 17, 2024, look skyward to see the Harvest Supermoon light up the Adirondack skies. The Harvest Moon is a breathtaking sight in the night sky, especially from the unspoiled wilderness of the Adirondacks. It's the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and witness the beauty of the luminous moon.
Why is it called the Harvest Supermoon?
The full Moon closest to the fall equinox (this year on Sunday, September 22) is always known as the “Harvest Moon.” Historically, it has been a crucial time marker for farmers, signaling the start of the harvest season.
The Harvest Moon follows a shallower path across the sky. Unlike other full moons, it rises closer to sunset, and its brilliance remains longer in the sky. This gives farmers several hours of bright moonlight and allows them to finish their harvests before fall frosts arrive.
September’s full moon is also a “Supermoon.” A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth while the Moon is full.
According to EarthSky, supermoons look brighter than ordinary full moons by a noticeable amount. That’s because a supermoon exceeds the disk size of an average-sized moon by up to 8% and the brightness of an average-sized full moon by 15%.
The moon in the September sky will be as big as a pizza pie.
It also creates a magical experience for moon watchers. The Harvest Moon becomes a mesmerizing spectacle in upstate New York, particularly in the Adirondacks, where light pollution is minimal. The moonlight bathes the mountains, lakes, and forests in a silvery glow, transforming the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape.
Native American names for Harvest Moon reflect seasonal changes.
Other lunar names for this month highlight September as the transition from summer to fall. Native American tribes in North America had several names for the September full moon.
Corn Maker Moon (Abenaki)
Someone Harvests Moon (Oneida)
Autumn Moon (Cree)
Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
Animal behavior is also a common theme, with Child Moon (Tlingit) referring to the time when animal moms wean their young, and Mating Moon and Rutting Moon (both Cree) describing the time of year when certain animals, like moose, elk, and deer, are looking to mate.
Celebrate the Harvest Moon.
As summer ends, we are winding down from a busy season of work and play. As we transition into fall, it's time to reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate with loved ones, and enjoy the rewards of our hard work.
Here’s how to celebrate all you’ve achieved this year.
Make a fire (or light a candle) and say “thank you.”
Celebrate the harvest moon with a bonfire.
Many cultures celebrate the harvest with a fire ceremony. During harvest time, a fire reminds us that the summer light is waning. It signals warmth, which will be necessary for survival in the coming months.
In ancient Celtic tradition, for example, the celebration of Lammas (between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox) involved elaborate pagan rituals and ceremonies around large fires. People believed these ceremonies would secure a successful harvest and invoke spiritual support if harvests were less bountiful.
In a Native American context, a fire ceremony is also a way to make prayers, activate intentions, and engage with the natural cycles of life.
Tribes performed fire ceremonies during both the “new” and “full” Moon phases. At a new Moon, they made prayers and intentions, and during the full Moon, those prayers were released.
Celebrate the fruits of your labors.
Commemorate the bounty you’ve reaped this year by hosting a meal or dinner with family and friends. Gather your nearest and dearest around the table and show your appreciation for all they’ve done to support you this year.
Laughing and sharing what is within the heart expands a sense of gratitude and helps us acknowledge what we have cultivated in our lives.
Quit unhealthy habits.
The Harvest Moon signifies what is ripe, but as it reminds us of the winter to come, it also calls us to let go.
We may more easily let go of unhealthy habits.
Consider a shift in behavior that aligns with the Earth and sustainability.
Weed out the bad apples.
Take stock. What lessons have you learned this summer? What do you need? What gives you joy? What do you need to let go of?
Set aside time to contemplate what is no longer working for you.
Decide what deadwood you are letting go of as the seasons change.
Clean out your garden beds, prune your fruit trees, and clear your kitchen cupboards of items past their due date.
Winter is coming: prepare your cave or den.
It’s natural to lament the coming of the cold, but you can also find ways to look forward to snuggling in for the winter.
Get your knitting out, find those unfinished puzzles, and dig up the cozy blankets and wool sweaters. Where did I put my Uggs?
How about some new slow cooker recipes?
Make a list of fall books to read and movies to watch (or re-watch).
Making your cave cozy will leave you feeling comfortable and looking forward to the change.
Play and download our Full Moon playlist on Spotify.
We’ve compiled a Full Moon playlist to provide the perfect background soundtrack to your full moon activities.
The magic of the Harvest Moon.
There’s something undeniably magical about the Harvest Moon. It’s more than just a full moon—it’s a symbol of change, a reminder that summer is coming to an end, and a call to embrace the slower, more reflective pace of fall as you prepare for winter.
In the Adirondacks, the Harvest Moon takes on an even greater significance, illuminating one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
For locals in upstate New York and travelers alike, witnessing the Harvest Moon in the Adirondacks is an experience that stays with you long after the night is over. Whether standing on a mountain peak or by the edge of a quiet lake, observing the moon’s radiant glow will make you feel connected to the natural world in a humbling and inspiring way.
So, mark your calendar and prepare for an evening of lunar magic under the Adirondack sky. The Harvest Moon awaits.
Neil Young, Emmylou Harris and friends perform “Harvest Moon” at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
Latest news and intel from ADK Taste.
