September’s Corn Moon to Shine Over Iowa, But Blood Moon Eclipse Won’t Be Visible
This September, Iowans will get to enjoy a breathtaking full moon, popularly known as the Corn Moon, named after one of the state’s most important crops. The moon will reach its peak brightness on the night of September 7, 2025, filling the sky with its golden glow just as harvest season begins.
Often referred to as the Harvest Moon, this full moon carries special meaning for farmers since it traditionally marks the time of gathering crops. But this year’s event is especially significant—it coincides with the second total lunar eclipse of 2025, commonly called a blood moon.
Why It’s Called a Blood Moon
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a deep shadow across the lunar surface. During this alignment, the moon can take on a striking reddish color as it moves fully into Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra.
Unfortunately for Iowans—and the rest of North America—the September eclipse will happen during the daytime hours here, making it impossible to see. Instead, the eclipse will be visible across eastern Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and parts of the Middle East, according to Space.com. For U.S. skywatchers, the next visible blood moon won’t arrive until March 2026.
What Iowans Will See in September
Even though the eclipse won’t be visible, Iowa residents can still look forward to a spectacular full Corn Moon. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly clear skies over Des Moines on September 7, with nighttime temperatures dipping to about 44 degrees. These conditions should provide a crisp, clear view of the glowing harvest moon.
So while the blood moon will belong to distant parts of the world this time, Iowans can still enjoy the bright, seasonal beauty of September’s Corn Moon, a symbol of both harvest traditions and nature’s celestial wonders.