The moon is waxing. Here's when it'll be full in September

With the moon 72% illuminated and entering its waxing crescent phase, according to space.com , it's headed toward a special full moon.

Here's a look at what's happening in this month's lunar cycle.

When is the full moon in September?

The moon should reach peak illumination by Wednesday, Sept. 18, according to NASA .

What's special about the September full moon?

September's full moon is the second supermoon in a row, according to NASA . Supermoons happen three to four times a year. About 25% of all full moons are supermoons, while only 3% of full moons are considered blue moons .

It's also a partial lunar eclipse, meaning the moon will likely take on a reddish, or orange-like hue.

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Why could this month's full moon look reddish?

During a partial lunar eclipse, the moon passes through only part of the Earth's shadow, or umbra, entering into an imperfect alignment with the sun and Earth. As it does, the moon will appear to darken.

So why does it look red? According to NASA , that's because of how sunlight strikes the moon's surface after passing through our atmosphere.

Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange. The more dust or clouds in Earth's atmosphere during a lunar eclipse, the redder the moon appears.

Why is it called a Harvest Moon?

The name is derived from Native American, European and colonial sources.

The full moon closest to autumnal equinox often takes the name, "Harvest Moon." Late summer to early fall is a time for harvesting corn in much of the United States. The full moon around this time often rises around sunset, giving farmers more time to gather their crops, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac .

Many Native American peoples traditionally referred to the full moons around August and September also as "corn moons. Other names for September's full moon from Native American tribes include Autumn Moon, Child Moon, Rutting Moon, and the Falling Leaves Moon.

When do the September 2024 moon cycles begin?

• 🌑 New Moon : Sept. 3.
• 🌓 First Quarter : Sept. 11.
• 🌕 Full Moon : Sept. 18.
• 🌗 Last Quarter : Sept. 24.

When can I see the full moon in Kentucky?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, moonrise for the Louisville area will happen by roughly 8:11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, crossing the meridian at 1:45 a.m. before setting at 7:58 a.m. Thursday.

You can check both moonrise and moonset times for your zip code by visiting the Old Farmer's Almanac online.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The moon is waxing. Here's when it'll be full in September