Look up to see this week’s Harvest Moon, Seattle!
An extra-special full moon is rolling into town and hitting up Seattle skies this week. Not only is it the gorgeous annual Harvest Moon (someone queue up Neil Young!) but it also happens to be a super moon. Super moons typically appear slightly larger and much brighter than the average full moon, and this is the last super moon of 2023.
So, lovers of space and stars, prepare your outdoor chairs because the first full moon of autumn is going to be a sight to behold. You’ll be able to witness this dramatic Harvest-Super-Moon combo during September 28-30.
According to experts, the best time to view the full moon is just after the sun sets at dusk as it rises above the horizon, but just remember to look up to the skies any time after dark for a glimpse. We’ll be crossing our fingers for clear skies in Seattle for once!
According to NASA, the name ‘harvest moon’ is an old European name that came about as far back as 1706, when Maine Farmers Almanac published older native-American names for full moons.
The Harvest Moon is an old European name with the Oxford English Dictionary giving 1706 as the year of its first published use. Most years the Harvest Moon falls in September.
“According to this almanac, as … the first full Moon of fall, the Algonquin tribes in what is now the northeastern USA called this the Travel Moon, the Dying Grass Moon, or the Sanguine or Blood Moon,” they explained. “Some sources indicate that the Dying Grass, Sanguine, and Blood Moon names are related to the turning of the leaves and dying back of plants with the start of fall.”
So, set your alarm and take in the stunning super moon while you can! This will be your last chance to see a super moon this year. It will appear full for about three days, from Thursday through Saturday, with Friday evening being the best time to catch it at 100% fullness.
Featured Image Source: Ganapathy Kumar on Unsplash