As we transition into the enchanting season of autumn, the celestial heavens promise a delightful treat for sky enthusiasts. With the approach of fall, the skies are poised to offer a captivating series of astronomical wonders. Reports indicate that aurora borealis activity is expected to surge to unprecedented levels in the upcoming weeks, painting the night sky with mesmerizing luminescent hues. However, the pièce de résistance for stargazers this week is the grand finale – the last supermoon of 2023.
This celestial phenomenon, known as the “harvest moon,” is a celestial spectacle that has long captured the imagination of skywatchers. To some Indigenous groups in the northeastern regions of the United States, it is also referred to as the “corn moon.” The harvest moon derives its name from its timely appearance in the sky, signifying a crucial juncture for farmers as the summer crops ripen and await the harvest.
For generations, farmers have relied on the radiant glow of the September full moon to illuminate their fields, enabling them to toil late into the night to reap their bountiful crops. This month, however, the harvest moon takes on an additional dimension by gracing the celestial stage as a supermoon, an event that occurs when the moon reaches its closest proximity to Earth while being fully illuminated.
supermoon in the sky Image source: Wutthipong53 / Adobe This year’s harvest moon, illuminated with an extra touch of brilliance, will be the crowning supermoon of 2023, offering a resplendent display of lunar radiance. The moon will shine its brightest at approximately 5:57 a.m. on Friday, and its luminosity will grace the sky from the moment of sunrise to the twilight of sunset. Thus, enthusiasts will have the privilege of witnessing this celestial marvel throughout the night.
Notably, the moon’s enchanting display is not confined to its peak. In the days leading up to and following the climax of the last supermoon of 2023, spectators can revel in its ethereal beauty. Typically, the moon appears almost fully illuminated, with only a slender crescent veiled in shadow, making it virtually indistinguishable from a full moon.
Whether you choose to bask in its radiant glow on the eve or on the day of its zenith, the last supermoon of 2023 promises an exquisite lunar spectacle that beckons you to venture outdoors and savor the celestial splendor. As the calendar officially turns to autumn, the temperate weather invites you to linger beneath the starry canopy, making this astronomical event an experience to remember.
