Title: Skywatchers Delight: The Rare Super Blue Moon and Harvest Moon Close Out Summer of 2023
Subtitle: Full moon enthusiasts treated to a series of supermoons this summer
Date: September 30, 2023
The summer of 2023 has been a treat for full moon fans, with a series of four supermoons gracing the sky since July. The rare Super Blue Moon of August and the Harvest Moon of September provided the final lunar thrills this season.
Supermoons occur when the moon is at or near its perigee, the closest point in its orbit with Earth. This makes the moon appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger in the sky, although these differences are often difficult to notice for casual observers. September’s full moon, also known as the Harvest Moon, marked the fourth supermoon in a series that began in July, making this year a particularly fortunate one for supermoon enthusiasts. They will have to wait until the next Harvest Moon in September 2024 to witness another supermoon.
Photographers from around the world took advantage of the added lighting provided by the Harvest Moon, capturing stunning images of the celestial event. From Bloomington, Indiana to Munich, Germany, photographers showcased their skills in capturing the moon’s beauty.
In Bloomington, Indiana, Josh Dinner captured a breathtaking photo of the Harvest Moon’s reflection on Lake Monroe, where shimmering ripples danced in the light as nearby boats docked for the night. Another astrophotographer, Andrew McCarthy, used two telescopes to capture a detailed shot of the Full Harvest Moon as it emerged from behind the clouds, tweeting, “I live for these moments.”
Visitors at the annual Oktoberfest festival in Munich had the chance to enjoy the full Harvest Moon while riding a carousel, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Meanwhile, in Parker County, Texas, Matt Lantz captured the Harvest Moon setting behind a mesquite tree, showcasing the moon against an earthly backdrop.
Lorenzo Di Cola, an Italian photographer, demonstrated his patience and skill by capturing 14 different images of the Harvest Moon rising over Calascio, Italy. He then expertly assembled them into a single mosaic, allowing viewers to witness the moon’s rise in stages. Di Cola also photographed the Harvest Moon rising behind Rocca Calascio castle and Santa Maria della Pietà church, adding a picturesque element to his compositions.
Olly Griffin, a skywatcher from Dublin, Ireland, combined the natural light of the Harvest Moon with the man-made glow of Poolberg Lighthouse to create a stunning image of the iconic landmark.
If you missed the opportunity to witness the Harvest Moon, Space.com offers guides to the best telescopes and binoculars for future moon observations. For those interested in astrophotography, there are also guides on how to photograph meteor showers and recommendations for cameras and lenses.
Did you capture a mesmerizing image of the Harvest Moon? Share your photos, comments, and location with Space.com’s readers by sending them to [email protected].
As the final supermoon of the year sets, full moon enthusiasts are left eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to witness such a celestial spectacle, patiently awaiting the next Harvest Moon in 2024.