Fall is almost here, and with it comes a moon known as the Harvest moon.
But this Harvest moon is special for multiple reasons, including its timing and that a partial lunar eclipse coincides with it.
The full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox takes on the name the Harvest moon, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. The autumnal equinox is Sunday, Sept. 22.
That's unlike other full moons associated with a specific month.
September could be known as the Corn moon if, due to the timing of the lunar cycle and the Gregorian calendar, October's full moon was closer to the start of fall. Then, October's full moon would be known as the Harvest moon instead of the Hunter's moon, according to the almanac.
Here's what else you should know about this month's full moon.
The next full moon, or the Harvest moon, occurs on Sept. 17. The Harvest moon is also a supermoon, according to the almanac.
A supermoon appears "slightly brighter and larger than a regular full moon," according to NASA. That's because the moon's orbit is closest to Earth while it is full.
A moon will appear full for a couple of days, according to NASA.
With the next full moon also comes a partial lunar eclipse on Sept. 17. In California, the partial lunar eclipse will start at 7:12 p.m. and end at 8:15 p.m., according to Time and Date.
In a total lunar eclipse, the moon "moves into the inner part of Earth's shadow, or the umbra," according to NASA. A partial lunar eclipse is when the moon passes through only part of Earth's umbra, so the shadow never entirely covers the moon.
Find the moon in the sky with your eyes, or use binoculars or a telescope to get a better view. Viewers of the partial lunar eclipse don't need protective eyewear, the Democrat & Chronicle reported.
The moonrise after the sun sets has provided farmers harvesting their crops with useful moonlight early in the evening, according to the almanac. That's why the moon is known as the Harvest moon.
Skygazers, here's when to look up next and enjoy a full moon:
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.