(KARK) — When people think of the Harvest Moon, they usually think of September’s full moon. But every three years, the Harvest Moon is October’s full moon.
This is one of those years, meaning September’s full moon is referred to as the Corn Moon.
Whichever month receives the name ‘Harvest Moon’ is based on the proximity of each full moon to the autumn equinox. This year, the fall equinox takes place on September 22. Since October’s full moon occurs on October 6, it’s closer to the equinox than September’s full moon on Sunday, September 7.
The Corn Moon peaks in illumination Sunday afternoon, before it rises overhead. But it’ll still appear full and bright on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Asia will have the chance to enjoy the year’s second total lunar eclipse.
Earth’s shadow will obscure this weekend’s full moon as the home planet lines up perfectly between the moon and the sun. Totality will last a lengthy one hour and 22 minutes. The entire show — starting with the first dusky bite of the moon — will span more than five hours.
The shorter total lunar eclipse in March offered prime viewing in the Americas. But the upcoming spectacle — called a blood moon because of its red shadowy hue — unfolds on the opposite side of the world Sunday night and early Monday, local time.
The entire eclipse will be visible in Asia — from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines, as far north as the Arctic Ocean all the way down to Antarctica — as well as parts of East Africa and the western half of Australia. The rest of Africa and Australia, as well as Europe, will be treated to some but not all of the action. Tidbits will be visible from the Brazilian coast and part of Alaska.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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