The final supermoon of 2023 will rise later this week when the Harvest Moon - one of the most famous full moons of all - ascends into the autumn skies.

Officially full at 5:58 a.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 29, the full moon will be best seen rising in the east later that day at the time of moonrise where you are. It will be in the constellation Pisces. The moon will appear bright and full the day before and after, as well. The most popular name for September's full moon is the Harvest Moon because it rises close to sunset for a few evenings in a row and gives farmers extra moonlight to help them bring in the harvest.

Normally there is a 50 minute or so difference in the moon rise every other Full Moon but the Harvest moon appears to rise at the same time for a few days. However, exactly which full moon gets to be called the Harvest Moon is all about timing. It's a name given to the closest full moon to September's Equinox. This year, it occurred at 2:50 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 23.

This year's Harvest Moon will be the fourth and final supermoon of 2023, occurring two days after it reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit of Earth. Because the moon will be a little closer to Earth than average, it will appear slightly bigger and brighter than usual. August's full Sturgeon Moon and blue moon were also supermoons, as was July's full Buck Moon.

Communities around the world celebrate the Harvest Moon with small festivals, walks, trails and activities. it is definitely worth checking in your area to find out what events are taking place. The Harvest Moon Benefit Festival is celebrated in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio every year to mark the Harvest Moon. People enjoy this music festival with family and friends. The purpose of this is to also feed the homeless and hungry.

Many astrologers have a series of opinions on the effects of this moon. Most agree that it is a challenging time for relationships. That it occurs under the sign of Libra offers us the ability to be more balanced in our communications and how we approach any negotiations. Beware of negative speech and take the opportunity to cleanse your spaces and raise the vibration surrounding you. This will help to create more balance. Go outside and celebrate!

The next full moon will occur on Oct. 28; known as the Hunter's Moon, it will be partially eclipsed by Earth.