In a special astronomical event... the giant Harvest Moon lights up the sky today

Arab Weather - The Harvest Moon will light up the skies of Jordan and the Arab world this evening, Tuesday 9/17/2024, in a unique astronomical phenomenon this year, as it will appear full in the giant moon phase, adding a beautiful scene that attracts astronomy and agriculture enthusiasts.

This moon rises earlier and sets later than other full moons throughout the year, providing additional natural lighting.

Harvest Moon and its astronomical location

According to Dr. Hanna Sabat, Director of Scientific Affairs and Training at the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education, the Harvest Moon, also known as the “Harvest Moon” and the “Full Corn Moon,” is closest to occurring around the autumnal equinox and will appear in the Jordanian sky this year on the evening of Tuesday, September 17.

• Supermoon and partial eclipse

The 2024 Harvest Moon is unique in that it occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger and brighter, known as a supermoon. The following morning, Wednesday, September 18, the moon will pass partially into the Earth’s shadow, causing a partial eclipse, but it will not be visible in Jordan.

• The origin of the name Harvest Moon and its agricultural importance

The name "Harvest Moon" likely derives from an 18th-century American rural tradition, where a full moon helped farmers finish their harvest at night. This phenomenon continues to this day in areas where the harvest season coincides with the appearance of this moon.

According to Dr. Michel Raheba, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jordan, the use of lunar phases in agriculture is an ancient practice, and the full moon phase is believed to enhance agricultural productivity, although scientific evidence in this area is still limited.

• Harvest Moon in Folklore

Folklore expert Dr. Ahmed Sharif Al-Zoubi pointed out that the Harvest Moon symbolizes to farmers in our region the need to prepare for the upcoming plowing season, especially after the appearance of the Suhail star.

See also:

Harvest Moon to light up the sky next week

Next Wednesday.. The sky will witness a partial eclipse and a giant moon at the same time