Vince_Condella's Blog

Shine on, shine on Harvest Moon.  No, I won't be singing, but so far I haven't heard Ted Perry howling tonight, either.  But he very well could throw his head back and let out a yelp tonight because the full moon looks absolutely spectacular.

This is the famous Harvest Moon, which is defined as the full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox.  This year, the equinox - the astronomical beginning of autumn - occurs on September 22 (next Monday).  Most of the time the Harvest Moon occurs in September, but sometimes it takes place in October.

This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because farmers can harvest their crops late into the night aided by the light cast by the bright moon.  Normally the moon will rise 50 minutes later each night.  But around the time of the Harvest Moon, it rises only 25 to 30 minutes later in the U.S., and 10 to 15 minutes later in Canada and Europe.

The October full moon, this year occuring on October 14, is called the full Hunter's Moon.  Once again the name refers to the light cast by the brightness of the full moon, only this time the light can be used by hunters looking for game at night.

Each month's full moon has a different name, often coined by Native American tribes years ago.  A list of lunar names is listed HERE.

Okay, now let's hear ya.  Throw back that head and howwwwwllllllll....