This Month’s Full Moon Was Marked by Plenty of Unusual Events

STATES CHRONICLE – On Tuesday evening, we were able to watch a full moon in all its glory. However, this month’s phenomenon was quite unusual, as it showed us some other objects in the sky we don’t usually get to see. Also, the event was marked by several other peculiarities.

Neptune and the moon were visible at the same time

First of all, after the full moon rose, it appeared right in the Aquarius constellation. Then, as it performed its typical trajectory, it crossed its path with Neptune. The planet was placed in opposition from us, meaning it occupied the place on the sky where it looked the brightest. However, if you weren’t already aware this was happening, you might have missed Neptune.

The blue planet is a bit too far away for the naked eye to see, so you might have needed a telescope, or at least a pair of binoculars to get a glimpse of the full moon and Neptune together. At around 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the moon and Neptune passed one next to the other at a distance of only 0.73 degrees between them.

Neptune was placed northwest from the moon so, if you noticed a bright spot in that area while using your binoculars, you managed to observe Neptune. About two hours later, the moon reached its fullest phase.

September’s full moon wasn’t called the Harvest Moon

Another peculiarity about this moon was the fact that it didn’t bear the traditional name given to all September full moons. They were usually called the Harvest Moons, but these needed to be closer to the equinox. Therefore, the Harvest Moon will be October’s full moon, while this month’s was the Corn Moon.

The name of Corn Moon was given to all the phenomena which occurred quite far away from the equinox. Also dubbed the Barley Moon, it also marked the moment in the year when such crops were ready for harvest.
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