As we reach the end of September, another super moon is set to appear in the skies – and it’s expected to be a special one no less. Known as the Harvest Moon, it will not only will be the fourth successive supermoon of 2023, but it will also be the final supermoon of the year.
The Harvest Moon is set to end a very supermoon summer on a high as it will also be joined by a parade of planets in the sky, including the solar system’s largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, as well as its smallest, Mercury.
When can I see the Super Harvest Moon?
The Super Harvest Moon will peak at 10:57am on September 29, though it will probably be best seen the night before when the sky is dark.
When can I see Saturn?
Of all the planets set to appear, Saturn is expected to be the brightest and most visible. Stargazers will be able to see Saturn close to the moon on the night of September 27. You’ll be able to see it’s shine and golden colour with the naked eye but you’ll have to bring out a telescope to see its rings.
What is a supermoon?
Supermoon describes the celestial event that sees the colliding of both a full moon and the time when the moon is at its nearest distance to Earth on its orbit (when it reaches “pedigree”). The visibility of this occurrence tends to happen during full moons due to the moon appearing far bigger and brighter when it is at this stage.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days when the moon completes its lunar cycle. The run of four consecutive supermoons began with the Full Buck Moon on July 3. This was followed by two supermoons in August, the Full Sturgeon Moon on August 1, the Full Blue Moon on August 30 and lastly, the Harvest Moon.
When are the next full moons in 2023?
The other full moons in 2023 are:
- October 28: Hunter’s Moon
- November 27: Frost Moon or Beaver Moon
- December 27: Cold Moon
When are the next supermoons?
After a slice of lunar love this year, the Harvest Moon will be the last Supermoon this year and the last Super Full Moon until September 18, 2024. Next year will see space buffs pulling out their binoculars multiple times in order to catch a glimpse of a series of three super new moons.
Supermoons can also occur in the opposite part of the lunar month, at New Moon, as well as Full Moon. The first super new moon will take place at on February 9, 2024, the other two on March 10 and April 8.
Super New Moons, like any other New Moon, are usually not visible from Earth, but the Super New Moon on April 8, 2024 will in fact be visible and is one to look out for. It will pass in front of the Sun and create a spectacular total solar eclipse.