Harvest moon 2014 – photo by Keith Sauer
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE – On the nights of Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Thursday, Oct. 5, take a look up in the sky and notice the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox of Sept. 22.
The moon is precisely full at 11:40 a.m. PST on Thursday, Oct. 5 and should look round and bright for both nights, at least. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, around this time of year, sunset is followed shortly after by moonrise, creating an abundance of light under which to gather the fruits, vegetables and grains of the season. Sunset on Thursday comes at 6:35 p.m. and the Harvest Moon rises at 6:59 p.m.
The name Harvest Moon was made popular in the early 20th century by the song below, according to EarthSky.org:
Shine On Harvest Moon
By Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth (1903)
Shine on, shine on harvest moon
Up in the sky,
I ain’t had no lovin’
Since January, February, June or July
Snow time ain’t no time to stay
Outdoors and spoon,
So shine on, shine on harvest moon,
For me and my gal.
