September 2025 Moon Phase Guide
Complete lunar calendar for September 2025 featuring all moon phases, supermoon events, and optimal viewing times for autumn moon watching.
🌅september 2025 lunar highlights
key dates
- • new moon: september 2, 2025
- • first quarter: september 10, 2025
- • full moon (supermoon): september 17, 2025
- • last quarter: september 24, 2025
special events
- • supermoon trilogy: september continues the series
- • autumn equinox: september 22, 2025
- • harvest moon: first full moon of autumn
- • optimal viewing: longer nights begin
september 2025 moon phase calendar
week 1: september 1-7
waning crescent - 5% illuminated
new moon - 0% illuminated
waxing crescent - 15% illuminated
week 2: september 8-14
first quarter - 50% illuminated
waxing gibbous - 85% illuminated
week 3: september 15-21
supermoon full moon - 100% illuminated
14% larger, 30% brighter than average
waning gibbous - 75% illuminated
week 4: september 22-30
last quarter - 50% illuminated
waning crescent - 20% illuminated
september 17 supermoon: the harvest moon
why september's supermoon is special
- • harvest moon tradition: closest full moon to autumn equinox
- • supermoon size: 14% larger than average full moon
- • brightness boost: 30% brighter than typical full moon
- • early rise: minimal delay between successive moonrises
- • orange glow: low horizon angle creates warm coloring
optimal viewing guide
- • best time: shortly after sunset on september 17
- • direction: look east-southeast
- • peak illumination: 10:35 pm edt
- • photography tip: golden hour provides best color
- • naked eye: no equipment needed for stunning views
autumn equinox & lunar cycles
september 22, 2025 marks the autumn equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in length. this astronomical event has a special relationship with september's moon phases, particularly the harvest moon tradition.
the harvest moon (september 17 supermoon) occurs just 5 days before the equinox, making it the official harvest moon. historically, farmers relied on this bright moonlight to extend harvest work into the evening hours.
harvest tradition
bright moonlight aided farming work
day/night balance
equal hours of light and darkness
season change
autumn officially begins
september moon viewing tips
📱tracking september phases
- • use our live moon phase tracker for exact timing
- • set calendar reminders for major phase transitions
- • check local moonrise/moonset times for your area
- • download a moon phase app for daily updates
- • follow weather forecasts for clear viewing nights
📸september photography tips
- • capture the supermoon with foreground objects for scale
- • photograph during golden hour for warm orange tones
- • use manual camera settings for crisp moon details
- • try time-lapse of the moon rising through autumn trees
- • experiment with different focal lengths and compositions
Complete Guide to Current Moon Phases & Lunar Cycle
New Moon Phase
The current new moon phase occurs when the moon is between Earth and the sun, making it invisible from Earth. Perfect for deep sky observation.
Waxing Crescent Phase
During the waxing crescent moon phase, a thin sliver appears on the right side as the moon begins its journey toward full illumination.
First Quarter Phase
The first quarter moon phase shows exactly half of the moon illuminated on the right side. Also known as the half moon phase.
Waxing Gibbous Phase
In the waxing gibbous moon phase, more than half is illuminated and continues growing toward the upcoming full moon.
Full Moon Phase
The full moon phase displays the entire lunar surface illuminated, providing maximum brightness and visibility throughout the night.
Waning Gibbous Phase
Following the full moon, the waning gibbous phase gradually decreases illumination while still showing more than half lit.
Last Quarter Phase
The last quarter moon phase illuminates the left half of the moon. Also called the third quarter phase in the lunar cycle.
Waning Crescent Phase
The final waning crescent moon phase shows a thin sliver on the left side before returning to the new moon.
Understanding the Current Lunar Cycle
The current lunar cycle, also known as the synodic month, takes approximately 29.5 days to complete all eight moon phases. As the moon orbits Earth, the changing angles between the Earth, moon, and sun create the different phases we observe.
Tracking the current moon phase is essential for astronomy, photography, fishing, gardening, and cultural observances. The lunar cycle influences ocean tides, wildlife behavior, and has been used for timekeeping throughout human history. Each phase in the current moon cycle offers unique viewing opportunities and affects natural phenomena differently.