September 1st, 2019
____ The Harvest Moon comes once per year. And farmers over centuries have especially noted it.
‘Tis the first full moon nearest the autumnal equinox.
The Harvest Moon is “featured” in the sky three days because of this particular time of year and the earth’s position with the moon.
Normally, the moonrise is about 50 minutes apart from the night before. However, during “Harvest Moon” for three evenings, the moonrises are half that time apart — at about 27 minutes apart.
Farmers looked to it for centuries
This time of year has been for centuries, the Harvest Season for North America and Europe. Back before electric light and tractors with lights, the Harvest Moon was especially significant. Farmers looked forward to it for three nights with extra time to work by, provided by skylight after sunset.
We may look to it now
For us in modern day, we may pause to enjoy the Harvest Moon in a particular autumn beauty. Because of the moon’s position with earth this time of year, we view the moonrise close to the horizon – through the earth’s atmosphere, that is thicker than the atmosphere above it. It is because of this point of view that we oft see the moon in a yellow, orange or reddish hue.
While we do not need it to guide us while reaping harvests, we may enjoy the prominent natural light these nights, gazing from our own personal view, or to take a stroll with our darling.
*Of the three “Harvest Moon” evenings this year, the most luminous is September 14th.
Will you pause to view the Harvest Moon ?
Sources: “The Old Farmers Almanac” online, Space.com, MoonConnection.com
*** Jacquée T. selects and schedules each featured Word in the spirit of writing, reading, and of improved expression. Love for Words Sponsors support her schedule and selection as a whole, and the and fun spirit of this series. Please check out the links to sponsor websites, one link provided per ‘Words’ entry, and see how they may add quality to your life!