September’s full moon marked the fourth and final supermoon of 2023, creating a celestial spectacle for stargazers around the world. The full moon appeared larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth. Experts estimated that it would be about 5% bigger and 13% brighter than an average full moon.
This phenomenon, known as a supermoon, occurs when the moon is within 90% of perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth. Many people were in awe of the moon’s captivating size and radiance, as it shone down on Earth during the night.
The September full moon is commonly referred to as the “harvest moon.” This name is derived from the beginning of fall and the season of gathering. Different indigenous tribes have their own names for the September full moon, adding to the cultural significance of the event.
Harvest-celebrating traditions also took place during this time. In Korea, the festival of Chuseok was held, which involved ancestral rituals and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. Similarly, in Japan, the holiday of Higan celebrated the autumn equinox and honored ancestors.
The color of the moon at certain times may have appeared orange due to the Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon. This added a beautiful and unique element to the already mesmerizing supermoon.
In addition to the supermoon, several planets were visible in the night sky. Stargazers had the opportunity to view Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, providing a stunning celestial spectacle.
Looking ahead, there are several upcoming celestial events to keep an eye out for. The remaining full moons in 2023 include the Hunter’s moon, Beaver moon, and Cold moon, each with their own distinctive characteristics.
Furthermore, an annular solar eclipse is set to occur on October 14, offering a breathtaking celestial event for stargazers across the Americas. This particular eclipse will be visible as a ring of fire in the sky.
Later in the month, on October 28, a partial lunar eclipse will take place. This event will be visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of North America and South Africa, delighting sky watchers with a stunning display.
Several meteor showers are also expected to peak throughout the rest of the year, providing countless shooting stars for enthusiasts to enjoy. The Draconids, Orionids, Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids, Leonids, Geminids, and Ursids are among the meteor showers that will grace our night skies.
The September supermoon was indeed a sight to behold, captivating viewers with its size, brightness, and allure. As we continue into the latter half of the year, it is an exciting time for sky watchers, who can anticipate a plethora of celestial events and natural wonders in the months to come.
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