COLDWATER, MI—Residents of Branch County will have a spectacular celestial show to look forward to tonight as the full moon reaches supermoon status.
This year’s Harvest Moon will appear larger and brighter than average.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is full while also being at the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth. tonight , the moon will reach its peak illumination tonight at 11:47 p.m, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
It’s known as the Harvest Moon because it’s the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox. Its light was traditionally used by farmers working late to harvest their crops, providing a few nights of bright moonlight just after sunset. While the Harvest Moon usually occurs in September, it lands in October approximately every three years.
The Harvest Supermoon is the first of three consecutive supermoons happening between now and the end of the year, with November’s Beaver Supermoon and December’s Cold Supermoon to follow.
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