Corn Moon Lights Up British Skies: Last Full Moon of the Season Puts on Stunning Show after Summer of Below-Average Sunshine

*The stunning first full moon of September is seen rising over beach huts at Hengistbury Head in Dorset on Tuesday*

The breathtaking beauty of the Corn Moon, the first full moon of September, delighted skywatchers in Britain, coinciding with the revelation that the country experienced below-average sunshine during the summer season. Enthusiastic observers captured stunning images of this lunar spectacle as it illuminated the skies over Hengistbury Head and Weymouth Bay in Dorset on Tuesday evening.

*The moon, which is known as the ‘Corn Moon’, is pictured rising over Glastonbury Tor in Somerset late on Tuesday*

Reaching its peak at approximately 6:22 am today, the Corn Moon promises to continue its glorious display for three consecutive nights until its final appearance on September 3. Traditionally, the full moon at the beginning of September is known as the Harvest Moon, symbolizing its proximity to the September equinox. However, this year, the equinox falls on September 22, making the nearest full moon occur on October 1. As a result, the full moon witnessed this week has earned the title of the Corn Moon, as stated by the Maine Farmer’s Almanac.

*Other images captured by eager skywatchers show the full moon over the P&O Cruise ship Britannia in Weymouth Bay*

Meanwhile, the Met Office revealed that despite experiencing a “major summer heatwave” with temperatures soaring as high as 97°F (36.4°C) in London, the UK encountered below-average sunshine for the season. Notably, August 7 marked the hottest day of August since 2003 at Heathrow and Kew Gardens. However, the overall average was balanced out by the unsettled weather experienced at the beginning and end of the month.

*The beautiful moon will reach its peak at around 6.22am today, but it will light up the sky again overnight until early on Thursday morning*

Eager photographers seized the opportunity to capture the enchanting sight of the Corn Moon rising over various locations, including Hengistbury Head in Dorset, Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, and the P&O Cruise ship Britannia in Weymouth Bay. With its ethereal glow, the moon will continue to illuminate the night sky until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Traditionally, the full moon at the start of September is known as the Harvest Moon – as this is typically the full moon which occurs closest to the September equinox. Pictured: St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay

Although the summer season may have seen below-average sunshine, the captivating display of the Corn Moon provides a moment of celestial wonder for residents across the UK.