A mesmerizing supermoon illuminated the skies last night, in a rare astronomical spectacle that won’t occur again until September 2024. Stargazers were treated to the brilliant glow of the so-called ‘Harvest Moon’ shortly after sunset at 18.45 BST, signaling the end of September. This was the final supermoon of 2023 and the culmination of a series of four supermoons, including two in July, that won’t be seen again for an astonishing 14 years. Supermoons result when a full moon nearly coincides with its closest proximity to Earth, known as its ‘perigee’ of 221,484 miles (356,445km). According to astronomy professor Don Pollacco from the University of Warwick, “[This occurs] when there is a full moon at the time when the moon is closest to the Earth.” The September blue harvest moon graced the night sky in Panama City, Panama. It also rose above Whitby Piers in North Yorkshire and Ely Cathedral in the Cambridgeshire Fens on Friday evening.
The names given to full moons throughout the year have symbolic meanings. The Wolf Moon in January represents the increased howling of wolves during this time. The Snow Moon in February coincides with heavy snowfall. The Worm Moon in March signifies the growing activity of earthworms due to the warming soil. The Pink Moon in April heralds the appearance of spring flowers such as moss pink. The Flower Moon in May celebrates the abundance of blossoms. The Strawberry Moon in June aligns with the strawberry harvest. The Buck Moon in July arrives when male deer’s antlers are in full growth mode. The Sturgeon Moon in August references the prime time for catching large fish. The Corn/Harvest Moon in September corresponds to the corn harvest. The Hunter’s Moon in October acknowledges the hunting season in preparation for winter. The Beaver Moon in November highlights the setting up of beaver traps. Lastly, the Cold Moon in December represents the longest nights at this time of year. These names were sourced from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Supermoons, which occur three to four times a year, are the result of specific conditions. Dr. Paul Strøm, an astrophysicist and Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, explains, “The moon orbits the Earth on a slightly elliptic orbit – think of a slightly flattened circle or oval. This means that sometimes the moon is a bit closer to us and sometimes a bit further away. At the same time, the moon goes through different phases – the shape of the sunlit part of the moon – as it orbits the Earth. A few times a year, it just so happens that we have a full moon which coincides with the moon being at a point in its orbit when it is closer to us. That is when people call it a supermoon.” Given the rarity of supermoons, there will always be a last one in a series.
Supermoons have been the subject of numerous myths and speculations throughout history. Even Richard Nolle, the astrologist who coined the term in 1979, fell into this category. He claimed that supermoons could trigger volcanic eruptions, worsen earthquakes, and even influence human behavior. However, scientists have since debunked these theories and prefer to use the term “perigee syzygy” to describe the phenomenon. This term specifically refers to a full moon occurring when the Moon’s center is less than 223,000 miles (360,000km) from Earth. As astrophysicist Gianluca Masi has explained, “The term itself is of no scientific value; astronomers prefer to call it perigee full Moon, but undoubtedly ‘supermoon’ is by far a much more charming name.”
To view a supermoon, it is recommended to find a location that offers clear skies and minimal light pollution. Getting to a higher vantage point can improve visibility. Turning off indoor lights can enhance the stargazing experience. Researching celestial bodies and downloading apps like Star Chart can provide further information and augment the experience.
Sources: Parkdean Resorts
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