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The Harvest moon is the name given to the first full moon rising closest to the autumnal equinox - when the sun shines almost directly over the equator.

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the Harvest moon is rising late this year.

Usually it occurs before the equinox in September, but in 2017 the Harvest moon will actually be in October.

It took place on the night of October 5th.

The Harvest moon symbolised when farmers would need to start gathering in the food to prepare for the lean winter months. Sometimes, they did this by the light of the moon.

(Image: PA) (Image: Sunday Mail)

What is the Harvest moon?

(Image: Reuters)

The name 'Harvest moon' dates from when farmers needed bright light to extend the working day.

The full moon would light up the night sky and give them more light to work with - allowing them to gather in the crops in preparation for winter.

When is the Harvest moon?

This year's autumnal equinox came on September 22nd, making October 5th the Harvest moon because it is the closest full moon in the calendar.

While October is usually reserved for the Hunter's moon, this year we got a late Harvest moon.

The Hunter's moon will take place on November 3.

When is the best time to see the Harvest moon?

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

This year's Harvest moon was at its brightest at around 7.40pm this evening, October 5th, but you can still see it all night.

It's something you can appreciate without any high-tech camera or telescope gear.

Of course, if you have a decent 'scope or pair of binoculars it will make the moon look even more impressive.

Here are some photos taken of the Harvest moon....

Is this year's Harvest moon a supermoon as well?

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

No, although the moon's elliptical orbit around the Earth means that sometimes it can appear slightly bigger, this isn't one of those times.

Sometimes it is alleged that the moon turns a deep orange for the Harvest moon. This effect sometimes occurs when you glimpse the moon when it is close to the horizon. It's because you are seeing it through the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere that can cause it to change colour slightly.

When it got up into the centre of the sky, it was shining a brilliant white.