It’s almost that time once again to head outside and gaze at the moon in all its spherical glory. September’s full moon – also known as the 'harvest moon' – is scheduled to appear this week. But that isn’t all: this harvest moon also happens to be the final supermoon of the year.
What does that mean? Well, the supermoon (known among experts as the perigee syzygy moon) happens when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth on its orbit. Supermoons tend to appear bigger and brighter than your average full moon.
This summer, moongazers have been practically spoiled with supermoons, as August saw two of them – but if you missed those, worry not. This week promises your final chance to see a supermoon for almost an entire year. Oh, and Saturn is making a cheeky cameo this week too. Here’s what you need to know if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of these night-time sights this week.
How to see the harvest supermoon
It’ll grace our night skies on Thursday, September 28, though it will actually reach its peak the morning of Friday, September 29.
So long as there are clear skies, you’ll easily be able to see the harvest supermoon by simply looking up at the sky. If you want to see it in a bit more detail, you can also use a telescope or binoculars.
What’s the best time to see it in the UK?
According to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich the harvest moon will peak at 10:57am on Friday, September 29, though it will probably be best seen the night before when the sky is dark.
What is a harvest moon and why is it so special?
Harvest moons are named after the fact that they are the nearest full moon to the autumnal equinox (which fell on September 23). If you’re not well-versed in astronomical terms, this is when the Sun passes over the celestial equator and it means that day and night are of equal length.
Traditionally, the light from the harvest moon allows farmers to work into the night and bring in crops from the fields.
Will there be another supermoon?
Nope, this is the last supermoon of the year. The next one isn’t expected until September 18 2024.
When is the next full moon?
In the meantime, you can catch the remaining full moons of the year on these dates:
- October 28: Hunter’s Moon
- November 27: Frost Moon or Beaver Moon
- December 27: Cold Moon
How to see Saturn in UK skies this week
According to EarthSky.org, stargazers will be able to see Saturn close to the moon on the nights of September 26 and 27. You’ll be able to see it’s shine and golden colour with the naked eye but you’ll have to bring out a telescope to see its rings.
ICYMI: Here’s the exact date that Storm Agnes will batter the UK this week.
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