Super Harvest Moon: First Since 1991

The harvest moon happened in the very early morning hours this morning [Sept 23] only 5 1/2 hours after the autumnal equinox, creating the first Super Harvest Moon since 1991, and the only one in a 38 year span, as it will not occur again to 2029.

NASA said the Northern summer changes to fall on Sept. 22nd at 11:09 pm EDT. At that precise moment, called the autumnal equinox, the Harvest Moon can be found soaring high overhead with the planet Jupiter right beside it. The photo below, by Only the Best, was captured at that moment in time.

The Harvest Moon, which is said to have a perfectly round and super bright appearance, gets its name from agriculture, as in the days before electricity, farmers depended on bright moonlight to extend the workday beyond sunset.

The Harvest Moon of 2010, reached maximum illumination a mere six hours after the equinox. This has led some astronomers to call it the “Harvestest Moon” or a “Super Harvest Moon.” According to NASA, it will not occur again until 2029.

Dr. Tony Phillips of NASA said “A Super Harvest Moon, a rare twilight glow, a midnight conjunction—rarely does autumn begin with such celestial fanfare.”

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Category: All, Environment, News