Witness the Stunning Harvest Moon Illuminating Erupting Mount Etna on 1st October 2026

Each day, the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) invites enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the cosmos through a new image or photograph, accompanied by an insightful explanation from a professional astronomer. This initiative not only showcases the beauty of our universe but also educates the public on various astronomical phenomena.

Harvest Moon Over Mount Etna

The recent full moon, captured in a stunning photograph, rises dramatically above the landscape of Sicily, just outside Nicosia, Italy. Taken last weekend, this composite image illustrates the Moon’s ascent as twilight envelops the sky. The lower clouds reflect the hues of the antitwilight, while in the distance, the ash and gas billowing from Mount Etna add a dynamic backdrop. A striking feature in the lower sky, known as the Belt of Venus, can also be observed.

During a full moon, the Moon and Sun are positioned in opposition in the sky, leading to the Moon rising as the Sun sets. This lunar phase cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, although the Moon takes around 27 days to complete its orbit around Earth. In numerous Northern Hemisphere cultures, the full moon of September is referred to as the Harvest Moon. It raises the question: does your culture have a unique name for this celestial event? Regardless of its designation, a full moon shines brightly, captivating all who gaze upon it.

Changes to Submission Guidelines

For those interested in contributing to APOD, please note that the email for image submissions has recently changed. For detailed information, refer to the APOD Submissions page. Additionally, the primary NASA site for APOD has relocated from its previous address, now accessible at science.nasa.gov/apod.

Looking Ahead to Tomorrow’s Image

As the excitement of celestial photography continues, the anticipation builds for tomorrow’s featured image, which will focus on Sharpless. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to discover and appreciate the vastness and intricacies of our universe.

About the Contributors

This feature is brought to you by a dedicated team, including Cecilia Chirenti, Robert Nemiroff, Jerry Bonnell, and Keighley Rockcliffe, under the auspices of the Astronomy Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in collaboration with NASA Science Activation and Michigan Tech University.

Yesterday’s Astronomical Highlight

On September 30, 2026, APOD showcased a remarkable image of Arp 78, a peculiar galaxy located in Aries, further demonstrating the diversity and wonder of the astronomical realm.