Harvest Moon to light up the sky next week

Arab Weather - Astronomical expert and fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of Britain, Imad Mujahid, announced that the skies of Jordan and the Arab countries will witness the Harvest Moon phenomenon on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, corresponding to September 17 and 18.

Mujahid explained on Thursday that the moon will rise from the north-eastern side of the Omani sky with sunset at 6:25 p.m. and will remain in the sky until it sets in the western horizon at 6:28 a.m., lighting up the sky for about 12 hours. He pointed out that the Harvest Moon occurs when the moon is full or full close to the autumnal equinox, which falls on September 22, and is characterized by its rise towards the north and its greater brightness compared to the full moon of other months, in addition to its early rising.

Mujahed explained that the moon rises on average 50 minutes later than the previous night, but in the case of the Harvest Moon it rises 30-35 minutes later in areas close to the equator. It also rises a few minutes before sunset.

Harvest Moon Throughout History

In the past decades, farmers in Europe used the brightness of the Harvest Moon to work at night, as they would plow the land and scatter seeds under its light, in preparation for the agricultural season and waiting for the rains. Hence the name that astronomers gave to this moon.

• Corn Moon

Mujahed pointed out that astronomers also call this phenomenon the “Corn Moon,” because European farmers harvest corn at this time of year after it has ripened.

• Call for photography enthusiasts

Mujahed called on specialists and photography enthusiasts to take pictures of the moon when it rises next Friday evening, as its appearance will be distinctive and large, especially in the Wadi Rum area with its enchanting rocky mountains. He suggested sending the pictures to international astronomical sites to enhance the scientific and tourism promotion of the Kingdom.

See also:

Harvest Moon: Things You Need to Know About the September Moon

What is the Harvest Moon? And how does it relate to the autumnal equinox?