This Friday the 13th, a cratered jack-o’-lantern will light up the sky.
Even more than the pumpkin spice latte, the harvest moon marks the official beginning of fall. The days grow shorter, the air gets brisker and a glowing full moon kicks it all off. Here’s what it is, when you can see it and why it’s teenier this year.
What’s a harvest moon?
A harvest moon is a full moon that usually occurs around the autumnal equinox (September 23, the first day of fall!) but sometimes slides into October in the Western Hemisphere.
The moon’s positioned at the “most shallow angle” with the eastern horizon, the Farmer’s Almanac said. This shortens the period between the time the sun sets and the moon rises.
And like any full moon, the sun and moon are opposite each other, so the sun cranks up the moon’s brightness.
Why is it called a ‘harvest moon’?
Thank farmers. Those extra 25 minutes of sunlight extended harvesting time for farmers, so they could continue their picking later into the evenings. And at the right time, it kinda looks like a big, glowing pumpkin.
Source: A glowing (but mini) harvest moon will light up Friday the 13th
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