Tonight is the big night, lunar freaks.

It’s the night the annual Harvest Moon shines full across the globe.

Tonight (Friday September 16, 2016) and some in the world will even get a special treat — a lunar eclipse at the same time.

The United States and North America will have to wait another year for the Harvest Moon and the lunar eclipse. Tonight, its merely a full Harvest Moon but clear skies are expected to prevail across much of the country meaning fabulous viewing for the reddish hues and shining beacon in the night sky.

What is the Harvest Moon?

The harvest moon is a full moon that falls at the time each year between summer and fall. It is therefore the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. So, while it is still hot in many parts of the country it’s still time for the Harvest Moon.

The Harvest Moon 2016 will rise before sunset and be visible throughout the night Friday night.

The Harvest Moon got its name because this is the time each year that farmers are tending to crops

“This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac. “At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this moon.”

Other names for the Harvest Moon, which typically occurs in September or early October, include full corn moon, the worm moon, the barley moon or the crow moon.

Last year we were treated to a Supermoon and the world was tantalized by the appearance of the biggest moon in years. This year’s Harvest Moon won’t be a Supermoon but a lot of people will have clear skies for viewing.

The United States and North America won’t get to see the eclipse that accompanies this year’s Harvest Moon; that will occur in 2017. But, residents of Asia, Africa and Australia will get to see a penumbral lunar eclipse, which means it will be shaded not completely darkened.