I always thought that the harvest moon looked bigger, brighter and even oranger than all others, but my research says this is not true. Here is what's scientific, from the Earthsky site:
Like any full moon, the Harvest Moon rises at sunset and shines all night long. So what’s special about the Harvest Moon? On the average, the moon rises 50 minutes later every night. But not the Harvest Moon! At mid-northern latitudes, the Harvest Moon rises 25 to 30 minutes later for several evenings in a row. And at far northern latitudes, the Harvest Moon rises 5 to 10 minutes later for several evenings in a row.
In the days before electricity, farmers counted on the lamp of the Harvest Moon to gather their crops. Making up for the autumn season’s waning daylight, the Harvest Moon faithfully provides several nights of dusk-till-dawn moonlight. This bonanza of moonlight remains the legacy of the Harvest Moon!
Let me know how it looked in your part of the world.
11 comments:
I can't believe I reached the age of 61 without knowing the history of the harvest moon! Last night (Oct. 2) the moon was so big and bright that I had to close all the bedroom curtains as well as the blinds - it was so bright it was like daylight. Didn't need any nightlights, for sure! And surely could have harvested crops, except for the low lying fog that blanketed everything. It would have made for a great halloween, though we usually get rain instead for that night. -Linda
Our moon was big and bright last night. How many nights does the Harvest Moon last?
I meant to mention that the full moon is technically at 1:04 a.m. on 10/4. Which means it will be biggest to us on Sat. night. I wish I was going to a full moon party tonight. It's just too cool to miss doing something.
The Harvest moon is 2 out of 3 times in Sept. When that is the case, then the Oct. full moon is called the Hunter's Moon.
It's gorgeous tonight - thank for all the info I never knew!
Figures - been in a drought for months and today the heavens opened. No moon as more rain is expected tomorrow.
Free day, tomorrow, however. Double header has been cancelled due to soggy fields.
Love the moon feature of your blog.
came across your blog, glad i did :)
Great moon last night. The kids and I went to an impromptu cookout and bonfire at a neighbor's, and the kids pitched a tent on the driveway. The moon was low, bright, and beautiful, though it looked a little squashy on one side. (I am always someone who looks at the full moon and says, "I don't think it's quite full, maybe one more day")!
I had no idea about the history of the harvest moon. It was magnificent here in Atlanta.
It seemed especially big, here in Texas. Which, I suppose, is no surprise. ; )
The moon has been lovely bright lately.
Very cool info. I always enjoy your moon lessons!
Hunter's Moon...
Oh, I'm so sorry I missed this post!! Tons of clouds tonight - no chance to see any of it now.
What's funny, my youngest was sad that the moon was not out when we went to bed - "but I WUV the moon! Where's the moon mama?!" Behind the clouds sweetheart. "But I miss the moon."
I'll make sure to teach him the legend of the Harvest Moon. Thanks!
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