New Delhi:
A full moon was visible in the sky on September 13, 2019 (Friday). Also, it was this year’s “Harvest Moon” — adding another spooky layer to the already ominous date. Notably, the ominous date got a full moon for the first time in nearly 20 years. Peak viewing was at 12:33 am on Saturday morning (September 14), but the moon appeared almost entirely full from when the sun went down on Friday evening. According to a report of nypost.com, the people of Centra, Mountain, and Pacific time zone witnessed the full moon on a day earlier than others. That means before midnight. Interesting, Wasn’t it? Well, you would have surely missed it. It is to be noted that the ‘Harvest Moon’ has a direct relation with horror and creepy things.
For example, nurses reported a surge in odd experiences around their workplaces, including some unsettling experiences. On nights of the full moon, people say their TVs go off unexpectedly, their devices stop working, and sometimes even lights go out.
The next one will appear after 30 years that is on 13 August 2049.
Does the ‘Harvest Moon’ have any spiritual significance?
According to Accuweather, the full Moon has been associated with “strange or insane behaviour, including suicide, sleepwalking and violence.”
A study, published in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, claimed the “repression of the Moon’s gravitational influence brings out social tension, disharmony and bizarre results.” Another study showed an increase in homicide and aggravated assault around full Moons in Florida.
What is Harvest Moon?
Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, or the beginning of the fall. This year, the autumnal equinox is on September 23. Harvest Moons are different from other full Moons due to the fact that they rise at roughly the same time for several nights running. This weekend’s Moon will also appear full on Saturday night, barring any unforeseen weather conditions.
It was also a ‘micromoon’
The Moon had also appeared very small in the sky. The Moon had reached “apogee,” meaning it was the farthest point in its orbit around the earth. It will be 252,211 miles from Earth’s centre, and therefore will appear 14 per cent smaller to people on Earth than it would at its closest point.
So, not only will it be a “harvest moon,” it will also be a “micromoon.” By contrast, a “supermoon” occurs when the moon is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit.
