 |
| Supermoon Spectacle: The Grand Finale of 2023 with the Full Corn Moon |
As we approach September 28th, skywatchers are gearing up for the last supermoon of the year, and it won't grace our night skies again until September 2024. This celestial spectacle concludes a captivating series of supermoons that have adorned our skies throughout the summer, transitioning seamlessly into the early days of autumn.
Our journey through this summer's astronomical wonders commenced on July 3rd with the appearance of the Full Buck Moon. This captivating lunar display was followed by two more supermoons in August: the Sturgeon Moon on August 1st and the rare Blue Moon on August 30th.
This captivating cosmic journey culminates with the arrival of the Full Corn Moon, serving as the grand finale of the 2023 supermoon lineup. As it graces our skies, it also marks the official transition into the fall season.
Curious about when and where to catch the best glimpse of this celestial event? We've got you covered.
Supermoon in September: Full Corn Moon vs. Harvest Moon
The designation of whether it's a Full Corn Moon or a Harvest Moon depends on your location and the precise timing of the full moon.
Traditionally, September is the month for corn harvests, and thus, the term "Full Corn Moon" refers to a full moon occurring during this time. However, there's another term in the mix – the "Harvest Moon," which denotes the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, according to the Farmer's Almanac. In most years, this falls in September, except once every three years when it graces our skies in October. Therefore, not every Full Corn Moon is a Harvest Moon.
When is the autumnal equinox?
In Tennessee, the autumnal equinox falls on September 23rd.
In the northern hemisphere, the autumnal equinox signifies the moment when the sun transitions from crossing the equator in its northward journey to southward, marking the onset of autumn. Conversely, during the vernal equinox, the sun travels from south to north. During these equinoxes, day and night are nearly equal, each lasting approximately 12 hours.
When's the prime time to witness the September 28th supermoon?
Set your alarms because the Harvest Moon will make its appearance shortly after sunset on Thursday, September 28th. Its radiance will peak at 4:58 a.m. on Friday, September 29th, as noted by the almanac.
Unveiling the Supermoon
Supermoons are a captivating celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon draws closer to Earth. The moon follows an elliptical orbit, which means there are points in its journey where it's in closer proximity to our planet than during the circular phases of its orbit.
To qualify as a supermoon, the moon must find itself both closer to Earth and in the full moon phase of its lunar cycle. This unique cosmic alignment creates the awe-inspiring supermoon, a spectacle that never fails to captivate sky gazers.
So, mark your calendars and set your sights on the skies for the grand finale of supermoons in 2023, the Full Corn Moon, an event sure to leave you spellbound as it graces our night skies on September 28th.
إرسال تعليق