September Full Harvest Moon 2023: Last Supermoon Shines Bright, Delighting Stargazers Worldwide

September Full Harvest Moon Marks Last Supermoon of 2023

The September full harvest moon, also known as the last supermoon of 2023, will illuminate the night sky after sunset on Thursday.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

This year’s harvest supermoon will reach its peak illumination at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday, but it will still be visible in the evening.

The harvest moon is named as such because it coincides with the time when crops need to be harvested from the fields.

The Significance of the Harvest Moon

The harvest moon holds historical importance as it provided crucial moonlight for farmers to work in their fields after sundown. In the past, without the aid of headlights on tractors, farmers had to quickly gather their crops before rain could cause them to spoil. Moonlight became an essential part of the farming process, giving rise to the name “harvest moon.” This term was first published in 1706, As featured on the Oxford English Dictionary.

The Last Supermoon of 2023

2023 has seen four consecutive supermoons, with the September full harvest moon being the last of the series. This particular supermoon is even more special as it is a blue moon, which refers to the second full moon in a single month. The combination of a blue moon and a supermoon is a rare occurrence. The next super blue moon will not be seen for another 14 years, scheduled to appear in January and March of 2037.

Looking Forward to the Next Supermoon

If you miss this week’s supermoon, you’ll have to wait until late summer 2024 for the next one to grace the night sky. Supermoons capture the imagination of stargazers worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to witness the moon’s magnificence up close.

Remember to mark your calendars and make sure to catch the next supermoon in 2024!

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