September Harvest Moon

The September Full Moon is the one known to everyone; because this is when the corn was ready to be harvested, it is traditionally considered the Harvest Moon.We even have an old song about it.As the Moon travels around the Earth, it, like the planets, travels close to the Sun’s defined path, the ecliptic, at this time of year it is near the position of the spring, or vernal equinox .To us, that means we see the Full Moon rising not close to an hour later each night, but only about 20 minutes later. On Earth, that resulted in the ground staying lighter longer, giving our ancestors extra time for their daily work.

We also see celestial evidence of harvest time by observing Scorpius, one of the most recognizable constellations of our warm weather sky.The scorpion’s stinger was often seen by the Native Americans as rabbit tracks.The placement of this group of four stars helped determine the planting season.When the rabbit tracks first appeared above the horizon, it was planting time; its appearance due south and low to the ground was the sign the plants should have been at there best; and when the scorpion, and his stinger/rabbit tracks were falling below the horizon, as is happening now, it was harvest time.

Now, although we normally refer to the Full September Moon as the Harvest one, that isn’t always true.The actual definition of the Harvest Moon is the first Full Moon after the autumnal equinox; therefore, the Harvest Moon can occasionally be the Full Moon of October.But, this year, it does occur about a week after our change of season, on Saturday, September 29th, which for us is AstroAssembly.That night, enjoy the beauty of the September Harvest Moon.