In 2024, we’re fortunate to have four supermoons. We had one in the last three months, and we have one more coming up in November. But what is a supermoon? And how will it affect us? Is it just something pretty that we can sit in our backyards and gaze at it all night? Or would it be best to stay inside, like fantasy novels warn us? Let’s glimpse briefly into lunar news to see what the sky has in store for the rest of the year.
The Supermoons of 2024
But what is a supermoon? A supermoon is a full moon that is at its closest point to the Earth, making it appear larger and brighter to us skygazers! In 2024, we were extremely lucky to experience several supermoons.
- The first supermoon appeared in July: The Buck Moon, as it appears around the time when a bucks antlers reach full maturity.
- The second appeared in August: The Surgeon Moon, as this was the best time to catch surgeons in large Lakes.
- The third supermoon was the great Harvest Moon: The Moon hangs lower and longer in the sky for farmers to harvest their crops.
- The fourth and final supermoon will happen in November: The Beaver Moon, as it appears around the time that beavers get ready for hibernation.
The Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is a special type of full moon that occurs close to the beginning of Fall, typically late September or early October. This year though, the Harvest Moon appeared in mid-September. The phenomenon of the Harvest Moon occurs because of how low it hangs on the horizon at this time of year. The Harvest Moon is typically known for its brightness, which historically helped farmers harvest their crops under the moonlight. That’s why the Harvest Moon has special symbolism in both culture and agriculture. This year, the Harvest Moon did something extra special.
Partial Lunar Eclipse of the Harvest Moon 2024
The Harvest Moon of 2024 was extra special, as this year, it came with a partial Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar Eclipse happens when the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon, which makes a little shadow over the Moon. This Harvest Moon, the Earth moved slightly over the bright moon and cast a dramatic little shadow. This event was beautiful and many took the opportunity to skywatch and photograph the spectacle.
Symbolism of Eclipses
Eclipses hold a lot of importance across various cultures. They often represent rebirth, change, or even unveil hidden truths. Leading up to and even after, an eclipse is usually seen as a good time to reflect and assess, people take this time to make significant changes in their lives. Some cultures hold special ceremonies and rituals during eclipses to mark significant transitions, deepening their connection with the cosmos.
Festivals Under the Harvest Moon
Many cultures celebrate the Harvest Moon with special festivals to honor the changing seasons, as well as a way to prepare for the upcoming cold months. These festivals usually include family reunions, special meals, dancing, and storytelling. For example, most of East Asia celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, in which individuals usually return to their hometowns to visit their family and embrace the spirit of community and gratitude. This time of the year is great for reflecting on the past year while preparing to transition into the new one ahead.
A Time for Reflection and Gratitude
With the final supermoon coming up in the next couple of weeks, I hope you are able to take the time to go outside with some warm, fluffy blankets to just sit and watch the moon. I would also encourage you to spend some time with your loved ones, as well as to reflect and note all that you have achieved this year. Fall is a great time to get in the last of the warm weather while embracing community and being grateful for the past year. As we prepare for the end of the year and the cold months ahead, let’s enjoy something as simple as gazing at the moon.
Thank you for following along! If you have seen the Harvest Moon, comment your thoughts on it.
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