Get Ready! Tomorrow the Harvest Moon Will Cover Us
The Harvest Moon, a full moon occurring in September, is approaching and will be visible to the naked eye. Astronomers explain that its unique orange hue and perceived size are due to atmospheric scattering and optical illusions caused by its low trajectory near the horizon.
Why it matters
It provides a rare, accessible astronomical event that connects cultural traditions across the globe with basic scientific phenomena.
Get Ready! Tomorrow the Harvest Moon Will Cover Us
The name Harvest Moon comes from the agricultural calendar of European farmers: in the past, when there was no electricity and the daylight was becoming shorter, the satellite provided farmers with extra hours to work in the fields.
The indigenous peoples of North America refer to this full moon as the Corn Moon — it served as a signal for harvesting corn, pumpkins, and beans.
Despite its agricultural origins, this full moon carries different meanings in other cultures. For example, in China, it coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, when it is customary to admire the Moon and eat traditional pastries – mooncakes. In Korea, Chuseok is celebrated at this time – a harvest festival and a time for honoring ancestors, while in Japan, it is Tsukimi, the moon-viewing festival. In Latvia, Mikeli is celebrated.
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