If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky in the fall, you may have seen a bright and full moon that seems to light up the whole world. That’s the Harvest Moon!
In this article, we’ll explore what the Harvest Moon is, why it’s called that, and some interesting facts about this glowing symbol of fall.
What is the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is a full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which usually falls around September 22nd. It’s known for its brilliant and golden color, which seems to shine brighter than other full moons throughout the year.
When Is the Harvest Moon?
The date of the Harvest Moon changes each year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon. However, it typically occurs in September or October.
The Full Harvest Moon of September 2023 is scheduled to appear on Friday, September 29 at 5:57 AM EST or 9:57 AM UTC.
This will mark the first full moon of the Autumn 2023 season, arriving approximately 6 days after the 2023 Autumn Equinox.
Here are the dates and times for the next few years:
Year | Day of the week | Future Harvest Moons |
---|---|---|
2023 | Friday | September 29, 2023 05:57 EST |
2024 | Tuesday | September 17, 2024 22:34 EST |
2025 | Monday | October 6, 2025 22:48 EST |
Why Is it Called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon got its name from the fact that it appears during the time of year when farmers would traditionally harvest their crops. With its bright light, the Harvest Moon allowed farmers to work into the night and gather their crops by moonlight.
It’s also been called the Full Corn Moon and the Barley Moon in different cultures.
The Harvest Moon Explained
The Harvest Moon is caused by the moon’s position in relation to the Earth and the sun.
During the fall equinox, the moon rises earlier in the evening and stays visible in the sky for a longer period of time.
This is due to the angle at which the moon’s orbit intersects with the Earth’s horizon, which creates an optical illusion that makes the moon appear larger and closer to the Earth.
Chinese Harvest Moon Traditions
In Chinese tradition, the Harvest Moon is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Families gather together to enjoy mooncakes, which are sweet pastries filled with lotus seed or red bean paste, and to appreciate the beauty of the full moon. The festival is a time for family reunions and thanksgiving.
Future Harvest moons
Want to plan ahead for the next Harvest Moon? Here are the dates and times for the full Harvest Moons for the next few years:
Year | Day of the week | Future Harvest Moons |
---|---|---|
2023 | Friday | September 29, 2023 05:57 EST |
2024 | Tuesday | September 17, 2024 22:34 EST |
2025 | Monday | October 6, 2025 22:48 EST |
Past Full Harvest Moons
If you missed the previous Harvest Moons, don’t worry! Here are the dates and times for the full Harvest Moons from the past few years:
Year | Day of the week | Past Full Harvest Moons |
---|---|---|
2015 | Sunday | September 27, 2015 22:50 EST |
2016 | Friday | September 16, 2016 15:05 EST |
2017 | Thursday | October 5, 2017 14:40 EST |
2018 | Monday | September 24, 2018 22:53 EST |
2019 | Saturday | September 14, 2019 00:33 EST |
2020 | Thursday | October 1, 2020 17:05 EST |
2021 | Monday | September 20, 2021 19:55 EST |
2022 | Saturday | September 10, 2022 05:59 EST |
The Harvest Moon is a beautiful and mystical phenomenon that has been celebrated in many cultures throughout history. Whether you’re a farmer using its light to harvest your crops or simply enjoying its glow from your backyard, the Harvest Moon is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
So mark your calendars and make sure to catch the next Harvest Moon!