The September full moon that occurs near midday of 13 September 2000 is known as the "Fruit Moon", but since it is also the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox (occurring on 22 September 2000) it has been called the "Harvest Moon". This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because the moon rises soon after sunset for several nights and, according to legend, the moonlight from the nearly full moon provides mid-latitude farmers with extra natural light for harvesting their crops before the first frost that ends the growing season. Romantic songs have also been written of its appearance.
Several astronomical factors involving the earth-moon-sun viewing geometry contribute to making this spectacular late summer (or early fall) event special - a large lunar disk that appears as a pumpkin hanging above the eastern horizon just after sunset for several consecutive evenings. Whenever the moon is full, the moon will appear opposite the sun, leading to a moonrise to occur within minutes of local sunset. At this time of year the moon's path appears to be inclined with respect to the local horizon at a relatively shallow angle. As a result, the moon rises by only about a half hour later each night for several nights running - less than at any other time of the year. Next moon's full moon, called the "Hunter's Moon" (13 October 2000) will not be as spectacular.
If you have cloud free skies, step outside and take a look at the bright and nearly full moon rising in the eastern skies within minutes of local sunset for the next several nights.
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Prepared by Edward J. Hopkins, Ph.D., email
hopkins@meteor.wisc.edu
© Copyright, 2000, The American Meteorological Society.