Given the interesting line-up of celestial events, the year 2017 has been a delight for skywatchers the world over. First, there was the total solar eclipse of August 21 that had people craning their necks and admiring the once-in-a-lifetime wonder in all its glory, and now it is time for the Harvest Moon. The much-anticipated annual phenomenon has been particularly delayed this year, but it is finally here to dominate the skies this Thursday.
Weather Gods willing, you’ll be able to spot the glowing orange moon is all its glory tonight. The Harvest Moon – the full moon falling closest to the autumnal equinox – will be spotted for the first time around sunset today. The moon will retain this avatar for a couple of nights to follow but will be seen at best of its orange glory as it emerges from the horizon tonight because that’s when it will appear largest to the human eye. The sun’s light bouncing off its surface entering the Earth’s atmosphere at a thick angle will lend it that distinct orange hue.
The moon is orange and the season autumn, so why the name Harvest Moon? Well, this autumnal equinox full moon gets its name from an age-old farming practice. Back in the day, when agriculture hadn’t been revolutionized by high-tech machinery, farmers actually had to work in their fields through the night. The brighter full moon in autumn offered just the right nighttime lighting needed to till, plough and care for the fields. Since this full moon signalled the beginning of nighttime shifts in the field, hence, the name Harvest Moon.
Over the years, the Harvest Moon may have lost its agricultural significance but has earned the reputation of being a celestial delight. One that people look forward to year after year. You know that iconic picture that you spot on newspapers and social media timelines, year after year. If that’s what you want to witness as it unfolds, leave everything you are doing and head to an open meadow for tonight’s moon sighting.
Source: BGR
