The ultimate supermoon of 2023 is set to grace the evening sky after sunset on Thursday, marking the zenith of a sequence of radiant full moons during the summer season.
A supermoon occurs when the moon comes remarkably close to Earth in its orbital path, resulting in a grander and more luminous appearance compared to its regular phases.
This year’s exceptional supermoon, dubbed the “harvest moon,” is poised to attain its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday. It will have already ascended into the night sky the preceding evening and will continue to illuminate the Friday night.
The moniker “harvest moon” is bestowed upon it due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox, which transpired on September 23. Furthermore, September’s full moon is occasionally dubbed the “corn moon,” signifying the conclusion of the summer harvest season. It is worth noting that while the harvest moon customarily graces the skies in September, there are instances when it occurs in October, meaning not every October full moon qualifies as a harvest moon.
The etymology of the term “harvest moon” harkens back to agrarian traditions. In a time when tractors did not possess headlights, the radiance of moonlight became indispensable for farmers to labor after sundown. This enabled them to expedite the harvest process and shield crops from potential rain damage. This intrinsic link between moonlight and agriculture gave rise to the appellation “harvest moon.”
The phrase “harvest moon” was first documented in the Oxford English Dictionary in the year 1706.
In the course of 2023, four supermoons took center stage:
The “buck moon” of July
The “sturgeon moon” of August
An extraordinary “blue moon” of August (a rare occurrence when two full moons grace a single month)
September’s splendid “harvest moon”
The August blue moon was especially noteworthy as it coincided with being a supermoon. According to NASA, the subsequent super blue moon will not grace the night sky for another 14 years, with two such celestial events anticipated in January and March 2037.
For those who might miss the spectacle of this week’s supermoon, the subsequent opportunity to witness this celestial marvel will present itself in the late summer of 2024.
Conclusion
Celestial events like the Harvest Supermoon remind us of the timeless connection between the heavens and Earth, from ancient farming traditions to modern-day stargazing. As we bid farewell to this year’s supermoon, we look forward to the continued wonder of the night sky, knowing that its mysteries will forever captivate our imagination.
Discover the 2023 Harvest Supermoon – a celestial spectacle with deep agricultural roots. Learn about its significance, moonlight farming, and more.
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