Astronomy

‘Harvest Moon': Last supermoon of 2023 rises this week. What to know

The 'Harvest' moon occurs a few days after the fall equinox

NBC Universal, Inc. File photo

The "Harvest Moon" is set to rise in the night sky this week, marking the final supermoon of 2023.

The supermoon is expected to begin on Sept. 28, but will reach peak illumination at 4:58 a.m. CT on Sept. 29, according to The Farmer's Almanac.

Last month, the skies saw two supermoons -- one of which was a rare sight not expected to be seen again until 2037.

The 'super blue moon,' which occurred Aug. 30, was the closest full moon to the Earth's surface this year, EarthSky said, at approximately 322,043 miles from the planet.

According to NASA, a “supermoon” occurs when a full moon or a new moon is within 90% of its closest point to Earth.

Adler Planetarium said this week's moon will be the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox, which took place last weekend. That moon is known as the "harvest moon," but this year's moon has been given the nickname the "full super harvest moon."

While the moon will only reach the "full" phase for a brief moment, the Farmer's Almanac reports that "our eyes may perceive it to be full for up to three days."

While Wednesday looks to be rainy and, at times, possibly stormy, the showers and storms are expected to diminish heading into the evening and overnight hours, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Exit mobile version