Get ready for the Harvest Moon.
This Thursday, September 19th, the full "Harvest" moon will rise at 6:53 pm. [NOTE: There will be a 6.4 foot high tide at 9:08 pm later that evening so if you and your friends will be strolling W12th Road singing, remember your boots.. ]
In traditional skylore, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox,and depending on the year, can come anywhere from two weeks before to two weeks after the autumnal equinox.
For 2013, that changing of the seasons happens on September 22 — just a few days from now.
For 2013, that changing of the seasons happens on September 22 — just a few days from now.
The Harvest Moon behaves differently than a typical full moon. Throughout the year, the moon rises, on average, about 50 minutes later each day. But near the autumnal equinox … the day-to-day difference in the local time of moonrise is only 30 minutes.
Why does that matter? Simply put, agriculture.
Why does that matter? Simply put, agriculture.
In the days before electric lights, farmers depended on bright moonlight to extend the workday beyond sunset,. It was the only way they could gather their ripening crops in time for market. The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox became the Harvest Moon, and it was always a welcome sight.
For all the rest of us, suffice it to sing along with the Four Aces above..."Shine on Harvest Moon...."
For all the rest of us, suffice it to sing along with the Four Aces above..."Shine on Harvest Moon...."
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