Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Harvest Moon


Prepare for the Super Harvest Moon! For the first time in two decades, the Sun will sink as the full Moon rises exactly opposite to it on the day the summer ends, creating a strange 360-degree twilight show.
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, today is the autumnal equinox and a Super Harvest Moon will cross the sky after almost 20 years since the last time it happened. When the Sun starts to set on the Western horizon, a full moon will rise opposite to it on the East, reflecting the light of our home star.
Being close to the horizon, the orange Moon will be gigantic thanks to a psychological effect called the Moon illusion. The sky will be illuminated by the Sun and the Moon at the same time, creating a weird 360-degree effect that is rarely seen.
You don't need to do anything special to enjoy the show, just get ready for the sunset. Make sure to have a clear view to both East and West.
In NYC, the event will happen at 6:54pm. You can check the time in your city here.
And as an added bonus, when the summer ends at 11:09pm Eastern Time, Jupiter will appear right next to the Moon.
Remember to take photos and send them to jesus@gizmodo.com. [NASA]
Send an email to Jesus Diaz, the author of this post, at jesus@gizmodo.com.

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