Where to watch and what you need to know about the September Harvest Supermoon
The largest full moon of the year, the Harvest Supermoon will be visible in the skies over Sydney on Wednesday. See why this is one supermoon not to be missed.
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The largest full moon of the year, the Harvest Supermoon will be visible in the skies over Sydney on Wednesday.
The September Harvest Supermoon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox.
This specific full moon is known as the Harvest Moon because, historically, it provided extra light for farmers during the critical harvest season, allowing them to work later into the night to gather their crops.
WHEN CAN WE SEE IT
The moon will reach its peak fullness at 12:34 PM (AEST) on Wednesday, which means it will appear large in the sky, but the best time to spot the moon will be at 5.36pm.
WHERE TO SEE IT
Sydney Observatory education program producer and astronomer Geoffrey Watt says on their website: “ On September 18 the full moon will occur when the moon is just a little closer to Earth than usual. As a result, it will be a little bigger and a little brighter in a phenomenon now called a supermoon. To enjoy it, make sure you find somewhere with a clear view to the eastern horizon, sit, wait and watch the stunning moonrise”.
Escape’s Simon Mitchell says to experience the supermoon consider heading to locations away from city lights where the sky is darker and the view is clearer. His recommended spots across Australia are:
Sydney: Bondi Beach and the Royal Botanic Garden offer fantastic views of the moon rising over the water.
Melbourne: The Yarra River and St Kilda Beach provide a beautiful backdrop for moon gazing.
Brisbane: Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens are excellent spots to catch the lunar event.
Perth: Cottesloe Beach and Kings Park offer unobstructed views of the night sky.
Adelaide: Glenelg Beach and Mount Lofty provide ideal vantage points.
WHAT IS A SUPERMOON
A supermoon occurs when a full moon or a new moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit. During a supermoon, the moon appears around 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than when it is at its farthest point. This makes it an appealing event for astronomers and skywatchers alike.
TWO MORE SUPERMOONS
There are four supermoons in 2024, there was the Super Blue Moon on August 19. This second supermoon on Wednesday, the Harvest Moon will also see the moon undergoing a partial lunar eclipse but this is not expected to be visible in Australia.
The remaining suppermoons will be on October 17 and November 15.
IMPORTANCE OF THE HARVEST SUPERMOON
Traditionally, the Harvest Moon was a valuable natural aid for farmers, who used its light to extend their working hours during the harvest season. The Harvest Moon holds significance in various cultures and traditions. Many societies have associated it with the time of harvest and festivals celebrating the bounty of the Earth, such as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or North American Harvest festivals.
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