Description : The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It usually occurs in September, but can fall in early October depending on the lunar cycle. According to NASA, unlike typical full moons, the Harvest Moon rises much closer to sunset for several consecutive evenings, providing extra light. The moon's shallow orbital angle creates a quick moonrise and several nights of bright evening light. Farmers historically used this extra light to finish gathering crops after sunset. Here, this year's Harvest Moon—the full moon in September, also known as the Barley Moon, Wine Moon, and Song Moon—shines through bamboo and neem branches and leaves in a forest, seen through the window at Tehatta, West Bengal, India.