Astronomy enthusiasts are preparing to welcome the last supermoon of 2023 during the upcoming week, known as the "Harvest Moon." This supermoon will grace the sky on Friday, September 29, appearing closer and brighter than the average full moon. A supermoon is a type of full moon that can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon during the year because it is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, according to NASA.
This month's full moon is called the "Harvest Moon," which is the full moon that occurs with the approach of the autumn equinox in September each year, marking the end of summer and the official onset of autumn. It is named the "Harvest Moon" as it coincides with the time when farmers in the Northern Hemisphere prepare to harvest their crops before the onset of winter.
The best time to view the "Harvest Supermoon" will be at moonrise. Harvest moons can appear in dark yellow, orange, or red hues, especially when they first rise above the horizon. At this time, the moon looks larger than any other full moon, according to NASA.
This exciting astronomical event comes shortly after two other supermoons appeared in the sky last August, one of which was known as the rare Blue Supermoon. Typically, there are 12 full moons in a year, but sometimes there can be 13.
