The Harvest Moon 2013 came in earlier than expected this year but it certainly amazed many of the sky fans out there. According to Earthsky.org, the Harvest Moon is the full moon that is the closest to what is called the autumnal equinox which will happen this year, too, on Sept. 22. Hence, the full moon on Sept. 19 was the one counted as the Harvest Moon in the northern hemisphere.

Fast Facts About the Harvest Moon 2013

No matter where you may be located on Earth, the Harvest Moon rises on the eastern horizon right around sunset. You need not even limit the full moon on Sept. 18-19 for you can look out for it still on nights of Sept. 18 to 20.

Ever wonder what makes the Harvest Moon well deemed? It's all in the early moonrises in the evening. Remember that every full moon only rises right around sunset. After that, you will notice the moon rising up in the east right after the sunset for several days in a row by northerly latitudes. This then creates the effect as if you are seeing a number of full moons.

The Harvest Moon is just the usual full moon that you see in ordinary days. This is apart from the observations of many sky watchers that it somehow appears brighter and more orangey. Hence, it is considered mystifying, for the Harvest Moon is ordinary but has the capacity to play illusions with the naked eye.

Other Sky Events to Look Out For

If you have missed the Harvest Moon, then there are other sky events that you can look out for this week. There is the Green Giant on Sept. 19, where the moon and planet Uranus becomes an unusual cosmic couple. It will look like a tiny green blue disk when you look for it with your binoculars.

There is also the Fall Equinox on Sept. 22 which symbolizes the beginning of the fall season right within the northern hemisphere and the beginning of spring within the southern part.

Which sky event will you want to catch this week?

Related