By Emma Barhydt
Sky-gazers in town and the rest of the United States were treated to a breathtaking sight on Tuesday night as the full harvest moon illuminated the sky, accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse. This celestial event, a hallmark of early fall, carries ties to New England’s agricultural heritage and was especially significant for its role in the region’s farming history.
This month’s full moon, often called the harvest moon, peaked at 10:35 p.m. ET. According to the Farmer’s Almanac website, “Before electricity and tractors with lights used to harvest crops all night long, farmers relied on the Harvest Moon’s light to extend work days when fields were most bountiful,” harvesting their crops in preparation for the approaching frost.
The bright moonlight allowed farmers to work long hours into the night, harvesting corn, pumpkins, and other staple crops that were crucial for surviving the long, harsh winters. The moon’s glow was essential in guiding these farmers through one of the most labor-intensive times of the year.
The harvest moon is traditionally the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, which could take place either in September or October, it depends on the year. If the October full moon does occur closer to the autumnal equinox, then September’s moon takes on the name “Corn Moon.” This term, rooted in Algonquin traditions, reflects the crucial harvest time for corn and other staple crops that were central to early American agriculture.
Tuesday night’s event was even more special due to a partial lunar eclipse. According to NASA, the moon began entering Earth’s full shadow at 10:13 p.m. ET and exited at 11:16 p.m. ET, with the eclipse peaking at 10:44 p.m. ET. Though not as visually dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, which can turn the moon a striking red color, this partial eclipse still created an unusual and memorable view.
This particular harvest moon was not just any full moon, but a supermoon—the second of four supermoons in 2024. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. According to NASA, on Tuesday, the moon was approximately 222,637 miles away, significantly closer than its average distance of 238,900 miles. This proximity enhanced the brilliance of the moon, providing an even more spectacular display for New England’s sky-watchers.
For those who missed Tuesday’s lunar event, there is still more to come. The new moon on the 2nd, occurring at 18:51 UTC, will render the Moon invisible, providing an ideal opportunity to observe faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters without lunar interference.
The night sky will continue to captivate in early October with the Draconids meteor shower peaking on October 7. This minor shower, typically producing about 10 meteors per hour, stands out for its early evening visibility.
The full moon on October 17, known as the Hunter’s Moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2024. This full moon, which gets its name from its association with the hunting season, will appear larger and brighter than usual as it reaches its closest approach to Earth.
Finally, the Orionids meteor shower, peaking on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22, will light up the sky with up to 20 meteors per hour. Despite the interference from the waning gibbous moon, the Orionids, which are produced by dust from the famed Halley’s Comet, promise a chance to glimpse some celestial fireworks. Best viewed from a dark location after midnight, this shower offers a fitting end to a month filled with celestial wonders and seasonal transitions.
More information about celestial events can be found at NASA.gov
