Why the 2017 Harvest Moon is Special

There is just something special about a full moon. The Harvest Moon that rises on October 5, 2017 will be a special one, indeed.

What makes this Harvest Moon rare is that they generally don't fall as late into the year as October. Most Harvest Moons occur in September. The Harvest Moon is the nearest full moon to the Autumnal Equinox, or first day of autumn.

According to The Independent:

As the name suggests, the harvest moon traditionally marks the start of harvest season – the period during which farmers bring in ripened crops in preparation for winter.

 

The full moon would light up the night’s sky, giving them more time to work in the days before combine harvesters.

 

It is famous for often having an orange-red glow which occurs when the moon is spotted near the horizon.

The next October Harvest Moon will not occur until 2020.

The 2017 harvest moonrise will occur just before 7:30.

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