There's a Corn Moon on the rise!

An interesting astronomical event will give us a good reason to take our eyes to the skies on Wednesday. The Corn Moon will peak on September 2, and while full moons aren't anything new, this one is somewhat unique.

Usually, there's a full moon that occurs roughly once a month, and September's generally falls closer to the Autumnal Equinox (on September 22, this year). When this happens, it's known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is so named because, well, it falls around the time of harvest. But, it's also associated with the equinox, so any moon that's closest to that date is known as the Harvest Moon. 

This year, however, September's full moon happens right at the beginning of the month, and October's full moon falls much closer to the official start of fall, making it the Harvest Moon. 

Which gives rise to the once-every-three-year rise of the Corn Moon.

“When the full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox, known as the Harvest Moon, happens in October, September’s full Moon becomes the Corn Moon. This full Moon name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested,” said the Farmers' Almanac. “At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon.”

As it happens only once every three years, it's definitely worth a gaze. Technically, it peaks at about 1:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 2, but it will still look pretty full both before and after that. 

If the Corn Moon excites you, then just wait until the full moons in October! 

The rare October Harvest Moon falls on October 1, but also in a "once in a blue moon" move, literally, there is a second full moon during the month on...wait for it...Halloween! This is an actual Blue Moon because it's the second full moon in the month. So, the moon is making a reappearance to join us on the spookiest day of the year. Now, that's something you won't want to miss!

How will you view the Corn Moon? Let us know in the comments!