Harvest Moon

The moon came up, almost full, bright and orange last night. I have always called the bright orange moon a Harvest Moon. The name itself indicates a moon that is present around harvest time so I did some research to find out why a moon is called a Harvest Moon.

In actuality, there is only one Harvest Moon per year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closet to the autumn equinox. The 2020 autumn equinox will occur on September 22 and the full moon closest to that date, or the Harvest Moon, will be on October 1st.

It is called a Harvest Moon because it allowed farmers an extended time to harvest crops in the field. The moon rises as the sun is setting and the brightness of the moon allowed the farmers more light to work by.

So why does the moon appear orange? "The orange color of a moon near the horizon is a true physical effect. It stems from the fact that – when you look toward the horizon – you’re looking through a greater thickness of Earth’s atmosphere than when you gaze up and overhead." https://earthsky.org/?p=2467

The moon is beautiful here at Phrog and Munkey Folk Ranch and the full moon gives us an opportunity to play shadow tag by the light of the moon. Next time you are close, stop by, we will loan you the telescope and you can relax and enjoy the moon and stars!