Rare Timelapse Shows Spectacular Harvest Moon In US Town Scituate

The Harvest Moon, in 2023, was visible after sunset on September 28 and continued until 4:30 am on September 29. Rising in the east during the evening, it set in the west the following morning. Recently, a video, showcasing a glimpse of a harvest moon rising behind a lighthouse, went viral.

In the viral video, a picturesque scene reminiscent of Harvest Moon, a time-lapse showcases the transition from evening to night. The footage features the gradual ascent of a full moon resembling a red flaming ball, creating an illusion that could be mistaken for the rising or setting sun. The display unfolds over a matter of seconds, highlighting the ethereal beauty of the lunar event.

The video captures an astronomical event and showcases a rarely seen view that will amaze viewers. The caption reads, “Timelapse of the harvest moon rising behind a lighthouse in Scituate, Massachusetts.” Several social media users have commented on the post.

One user wrote, “That’s huge. Looks amazing”. Another user commented, “The moon can be wickedly beautiful sometimes”. The third user added, “Whew! Close call. It almost hit the lighthouse”. “The world is just so amazing. Thank you for this post,” added another.

What is Harvest Season?

Occurring closest to the autumnal equinox, the Harvest Moon is a specific full moon seen towards the end of September in the Northern Hemisphere, and occasionally in early October depending on the year. Unlike being identified by size or brightness, the Harvest Moon is distinguished by its timing and its role in agriculture.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon refers to a full moon that appears larger and brighter in the night sky compared to a standard full moon. This phenomenon is attributed to the moon’s elliptical orbit around the Earth, which is not a perfect circle. When a full moon aligns with its closest approach to Earth (perigee), it appears approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point (apogee).

What is the super full Harvest Moon?

The supermoon, as defined by NASA, is a full moon that approaches its nearest point to Earth in its orbit. NASA astronomers term it a perigean full moon, the closest point in its orbital ellipse to Earth. NASA reported that the supermoon was around 224,854 miles from Earth in September, exhibiting a size approximately 5% larger and a brightness 13% greater than the average full moon in 2023.