The night of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, promises a celestial spectacle. Not only will it be a Super moon, but it will also feature a partial lunar eclipsevisible across parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Known by many names—including the Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, and Barley Moon—this full Moon also coincides with important cultural and religious festivals around the world, from Ganesh Chaturthi in India to the Mid-Autumn Festival in China and Chuseok in Korea.
On the night of September 17, the full Moon will reach its peak at 10:35 PM EDT. This will be the second of four consecutive super moons in 2024. A super moon occurs when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear bigger and brighter in the night sky.
Adding to the excitement, this full Moon will also bring a partial lunar eclipse. The Moon will begin entering Earth’s partial shadow at 8:41 PM EDT, with the full shadow covering 8% of the Moon’s surface by 10:44 PM EDT, before the eclipse ends by 12:47 AM EDT the next day.
The Many Names of September’s Full Moon
This September full Moon is traditionally known as the Harvest Moon—the closest full Moon to the autumnal equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, farmers have historically relied on this Moon’s light to extend their harvest hours.
For the Algonquin tribes in north-eastern America, it is known as the Corn Moon, as it marks the time for harvesting staple crops like corn, pumpkins, and beans.
GLOBAL FESTIVITIES AROUND THE FULL MOON
Ganesh Chaturthi and Pitru Paksha
In India, this full Moon marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and new beginnings. The festival concludes with the immersion of Ganesha idols in rivers, symbolizing his return to the divine.
It also ushers in Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period when Hindus honour their ancestors with rituals and food offerings.
Mid-Autumn Festival and Chuseok
In China and Vietnam, the full Moon is a central part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival. Families gather to celebrate the harvest, enjoy mooncakes, and honour the Moon Goddess Chang’e.
In Korea, the full Moon coincides with Chuseok, a major harvest festival during which people return to their ancestral homes to honour their ancestors with offerings and traditional feasts.
Madhu Purnima
In Buddhist traditions in Bangladesh and Thailand, this full Moon is called Madhu Purnima, or the Honey Full Moon Festival. It commemorates a time when the Buddha mediated peace between two factions, and an elephant and a monkey offered him food and honey in a symbolic act of harmony.
FULL MOON CELEBRATIONS IN OTHER TRADITIONS
In many cultures, the full Moon holds deep significance beyond its astronomical beauty. For example, in the Islamic calendar, this full Moon falls in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, during which many Muslims celebrate Mawlid, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Similarly, in the Jewishcalendar, this Moon marks the middle of Elul, a month of introspection and preparation for the High Holy Daysof Rosh Hashanahand Yom Kippur.
In Japan, this Moon is known as Imomeigetsu, or the Potato Harvest Moon, with traditions including offering sweet potatoes to the Moon during the Tsukimi or Moon-Viewing Festival.
SUPERMOON AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
A super moonoccurs when the Moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. While astrologer Richard Nolle coined the term in 1979, it has become widely popular due to the visual impact of the Moon appearing larger and brighter. September’s super moon is tied with October’s for being the closest and brightest of the year.
A FULL MOON FOR EVERYONE
As you prepare to enjoy this super moon and partial lunar eclipse, consider embracing the traditions of this season:
- Harvest Time: Celebrate the changing seasons by enjoying harvest foods like corn, fruits, and sweet potatoes.
- Cultural Connection: Reflect on the festivals that honour ancestors, family reunions, and shared food.
- Sky-Watching: Set aside time to watch the Moon rise and enjoy the partial lunar eclipse as the shadow crosses its surface.
- Forgiveness and Renewal: Take inspiration from spiritual practices that encourage forgiveness and renewal during this full Moon.