The September full moon is a supermoon. Here's how to see it in Wisconsin
Just before the official first day of fall, you can celebrate the start of the season by viewing the September "Harvest Moon" — which will also be a supermoon this year.
Here's when the larger-than-normal moon will appear and the best places to view it from in Wisconsin.
When is the full moon in September?
This month's full moon became visible on Monday, Sept. 16 and will reach peak illumination on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 9:36 p.m. CST.
Here are the few key dates in the September lunar cycle in Milwaukee, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac :
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🌑 New moon: Sept. 2 at 8:56 p.m.
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🌓 First quarter: Sept. 11 at 1:06 a.m.
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🌕 Full moon: Sept. 17 at 9:36 p.m.
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🌗 Last quarter: Sept. 24 at 1:52 p.m.
What is a harvest moon?
The September moon gets its name from official start of the fall harvesting season in the Northern Hemisphere, when grains, fruits and vegetables planted in the spring are finally ready for harvest.
"It's a time to celebrate the bounty of summer while preparing for long, cold winter months when large swaths of land go dormant," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac .
In Wisconsin, the September full moon is also called the "rice moon," given the longstanding significance of wild rice in Native American culture . Nearly 200 years ago, when the government forced the the original inhabitants of northern Wisconsin, the Ojibwe, onto reservations, tribal leaders chose to move to lands that would best sustain wild rice.
Along with the Ojibwe, wild rice is integral to the culture of other Indigenous nations in Wisconsin, such as the Potawatomi and Menominee.
More: Wisconsin wild rice is unique in the world, but some worry about effects of climate change
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon appears when a full moon coincides with the moment the moon's orbit is closest to the Earth, according to NASA. This leads to the moon appearing slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
There are four supermoons slated for this year, with the first one having risen on August 19. The final two are in October and November.
Where to catch the best view of the supermoon in Wisconsin
The best conditions to see the night sky will be with clear skies without clouds or haze. Make sure to check the forecast before heading out.
Here's a list of places in Wisconsin that could offer some of the best views of the night sky:
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Newport State Park , Ellison Bay
When is the next full moon in 2024?
Here's when the final three full moons of the year will appear, including the October and November supermoons:
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Oct. 17: Hunter's Moon
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Nov. 15: Beaver Moon
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Dec. 15: Cold Moon
Frank Vaisvilas contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why is the moon so large tonight? Supermoon hits Wisconsin
