The Full Corn Moon: September's Moon Guide

Here are highlights of the September 2012 Full Corn Moon including dates, times, best days, and folklore.

Full Moon Names

The Full Corn Moon corresponds with the time of harvesting corn. It is also called the Barley Moon, because it is the time to harvest and thresh the ripened barley. 

This month, we also celebrate what we call a Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox. It can occur in September or October and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.

The Full Harvest Moon is different than all our other full Moons. Around this date, the Moon rises at almost the same time for a number of nights in our northern latitudes. Learn more in our article, "Shine On, Harvest Moon."

A harvest Moon!
And on the mats-
Shadows of pine boughs.
–Takarai Kikaku, Japanese poet (1661-1707)

See all Full Moon names and their meanings.

Credit: Robin Osbon Click to send this Moon picture!

Moon Phase Dates 2012

Here are Moon phase dates and times (ET). See the Moon Phase Calendar for your city's dates and times.

	New Moon: September 15, 10:11 P.M.
	First Quarter: September 22, 3:41 P.M.
	Full Moon: September 29, 11:19 P.M.
	Last Quarter: September 8, 9:15 A.M.

For your next full Moon, see our Full Moon Dates chart.

Full Moon Video

Each month, we will explain the traditional names of the full Moon along with some fascinating Moon facts. In this video, learn about the Full Corn Moon, and why the Moon rides high or rides low. Click below to watch video.

Best Days in September 2012

Below are the best days for activities, based on the Moon's sign and phase in September.

For Harvesting:

• Aboveground crops: 23, 24
• Belowground crops: 5, 6

For Setting Eggs:

• 6, 7, 25, 26

For Fishing:

• 15-29

See Best Days for more activities.

Moon Facts & Folklore

• Usually the Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, but around the time of the autumnal equinox, it rises only around 30 minutes in the United States—even less in Canada.
• Farmers can take advantage of the moonlight at this time of year and continue their day's work in harvesting crops.

Are you a Moon lover? Share your thoughts below!