The Harvest Moon is not a supermoon, but rather a specific full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, marking the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. While it may appear larger and brighter than other full moons, this is due to an optical illusion known as the moon illusion. The moon's orange or reddish color is caused by viewing it through particles in Earth's atmosphere when it is low on the horizon.
The Harvest Moon's Unique Qualities
The Harvest Moon's unique qualities stem from its timing and the moon's orbital position in relation to Earth. Unlike other full moons, which rise about 50 minutes later each night, the Harvest Moon rises only 25 to 30 minutes later, and this delay is even shorter the farther north you are from the equator. This means that for several nights in a row, the full moon rises shortly after sunset, providing extra light for farmers harvesting their crops in the waning days of summer. This is why it is called the "Harvest Moon" – it was a valuable aid to farmers in pre-electricity days.
Timing of the Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon usually occurs in September, but it can sometimes fall in October, depending on the alignment of the lunar cycle with the Gregorian calendar. The Harvest Moon's date varies from year to year, but it is always the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox
Cultural Significance
The Harvest Moon holds cultural significance beyond its practical use for farmers. In many cultures, it is celebrated with festivals and traditions. For example, the Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a joyful occasion marked by games, mooncakes, and singing under the light of the Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is a captivating celestial event that combines astronomical phenomena with cultural traditions. It is not a supermoon, but its unique qualities, including its timing, brightness, and visual appearance, make it a special full moon that has been celebrated for centuries. Its association with autumnal harvests and its cultural significance continue to make it a beloved and anticipated event for people around the world.
Nitizen captured this breathtaking view of September’s supermoon, called “Harvest Moon,” as it illuminated the skies above Panglao, Bohol at around 6 PM on Wednesday.
“Mas malaki ito compare sa ordinary full moon... Maswerte kasi ‘di maulap ang Bohol this day, saktong-sakto makapitik [nang] maayos,” uploader Leonar Morales
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, it takes on the name “Harvest Moon” as it happens nearest to the fall equinox, which give farmers several extra evenings of moonlight, allowing them to finish their harvests before the frosts of fall arrive. (Photos courtesy of Leonar Paña Morales)
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