The September full harvest moon marked the last supermoon of 2023, dazzling stargazers around the world. Here are some key points:
September Full Harvest Moon: Last Supermoon of 2023
The September full harvest moon, also known as the last supermoon of 2023, captivated stargazers worldwide. This celestial event occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. The harvest moon gets its name from its association with the time when crops are ready to be harvested. This year’s harvest supermoon reached its peak illumination at 6 a.m. ET on Friday and remained visible in the evening. It marked the culmination of a summer full of big, bright full moons.
The Significance of the Harvest Moon
The harvest moon holds historical significance for farmers and skywatchers alike. Its name stems from the crucial role moonlight played in aiding farmers in their late summer and early autumn harvests. Before tractors with headlights, moonlight was essential for farmers to work after sundown, ensuring the crops were harvested quickly before rain caused them to rot. This reliance on moonlight led to the birth of the harvest moon. The term “harvest moon” was first published in 1706, As stated by the Oxford English Dictionary.
The Last Supermoon of 2023
The September full harvest moon served as the final supermoon of 2023. This year saw a total of four consecutive supermoons, with the August blue supermoon being particularly rare. A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a single month, and the August blue moon was also a supermoon. The next super blue moon is not expected until January and March 2037. Stargazers who missed this week’s supermoon will have to wait until late summer 2024 for the next opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon.
