The full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, approaching September 22, is about to arrive. Which means, for all your disciples of scarf and pumpkin spices …squeeze! –autumn is almost officially here. Let’s delve into why this moon is so unique and when you can see it for yourself.
What is the “Harvest Moon”?
The “Harvest Moon” behaves differently than other full moons. For several evenings before and after its peak, because the angle of the moon’s orbit relative to the Earth’s horizon is minimal, the moon rises above the horizon much faster than the ‘usual, shortly after sunset.
Normally, when the moon is full, it rises in the evening and then rises about 50 minutes each day thereafter. But in the case of the Harvest Moon at medium temperate latitudes, this successively increasing ascent time is reduced by half, up to 20-25 minutes. (It is even shorter in northern latitudes like Alaska, where the moon will rise almost simultaneously for an entire week.) So for several days before and after the full moon on September 20, there will be no substantial period. of darkness between sunset and moonrise. The Harvest Moon will provide a rare abundance of light from dusk to dawn.
How did the Harvest Moon get its name?
Although we don’t know exactly where the name comes from, according to EarthSky, “probably reached the lips of farmers throughout the northern hemisphere on fall afternoons, as the Harvest Moon helped bring crops.” He became even more popular with a 1903 song “Shine on Harvest Moon”, written by the married vaudeville duo Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth (who – side note – also wrote the lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”). .
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Hollywood films of the same name followed in the 1930s and 1940s, as did more than two dozen recordings of songs by other artists throughout the century. (Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” is his original version, in case you’re wondering.)
Why does it look orange?
The Harvest Moon has a reputation for being larger and reddish orange than other full moons, but this is largely a misconception. The Harvest Moon is no bigger than any other full moon and its size differs every year. In fact, 2019 was the smallest full moon of the year; in 2020, he graduated as the second youngest. This year it will be medium in size. While it’s not necessarily closer or bigger than other full moons, yes appear larger for its location near the horizon.
Although it takes on a hue of burnt sienna, this is the result of the moon being low in the sky, not the same color as the moon. Due to its proximity to the horizon, we observe it through a greater thickness of the Earth’s atmosphere than when it is above. The density of air molecules disperses more blue light, thus allowing more red light to pass. The illusion of color is amplified on blurry or cloudy nights.
When can you see it?
The peak of the Moon in the 2021 harvest is at 19:54 ET on September 20th. Be sure to contemplate its majestic tranquility, perhaps while giving your friends or family new facts about its unique history, appearance, and attributes.