Harvest Moon, One of the earliest signs of Fall
Super Moon 2013 – Photo by Scott Johnson, Madison J. Photography www.madisonjphotography.com
Though Wednesday was hump day for most people, this week it brought something special. The 2013 Harvest Moon made its appearance on September 18-19, lighting up the night sky like a pumpkin. September 22nd marks the Autumn Equinox and the Harvest Moon is the full moon that is closest to the Equinox. Though it was a little early this year, it could have actually come anywhere from two weeks before to two weeks after the Autumn Equinox. In East Tennessee, we should have been able to have seen the full beauty of the Harvest Moon between 1am and 2am on September 19, 2013. Due to a low pressure system and low vapor, the moon was partially obstructed by clouds. The moon will still appear larger than life for a few days to come. The Harvest Moon has long been credited as the last opportunity for farmers to work late in the fields and bring in their harvest. With the invention of tractors and other equipment that is sufficiently lit, the necessity of a few extra hours of daylight isn’t critical, however the Harvest Moon is still one of the earliest and most anticipated signs of fall.
