This year's harvest moon is unusual - here's what a harvest moon actually is

What is a harvest moon? By definition, the harvest moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the first day of autumn. In fact, that's how it got its name. In the early days, Farmers would harvest crops day and night. Before electricity, a full moon offered the best light for harvesting at night, hence harvest moon.

Why this year's Harvest Moon will be unique

The Harvest Moon is the first full moon that is closest to the autumnal equinox, but this year's moon will be a little later than usual. This 2017 Harvest Moon arrives on Thursday, October 5. Usually, the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but this year, the October full moon arrived closer to the fall equinox.