Great news for all the stargazers out there!
A ‘corn moon’ is rolling into town and hitting up DC skies today (September 2). This celestial only tends to happen once every few years.
So, lovers of space and stars, prepare your deck chairs because the final full moon of the summer is going to be a sight to behold.
According to NASA, the name ‘corn moon’ came about in the 1930s, when Maine Farmers Almanac published older native-American names for full moons.
“According to this almanac, as the full Moon in September and the last full moon of summer, the Algonquin tribes in what is now the northeastern USA called this the Corn Moon, as this was the time for gathering their main staple crops of corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice,” they explained.
“European names for this full moon are the Fruit Moon, as a number of fruits ripen as the end of summer approaches, and the Barley Moon, from the harvesting and threshing of the barley.”
The moon was at its peak late last night, but don’t worry, you can still catch a glimpse at the lunar spectacle tonight! According to experts, you’ll get your best chance at seeing it around 8:08 p.m. EDT. To catch a good glimpse at the moon make sure you have a clear view of the eastern horizon. So, set your alarms and take in the stunning full moon while you can.
See also: This Rare Blue Moon Falls On Halloween For The First Time In 2 Decades
[Featured Image: jcsullivan24, Flickr]