FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Lunar question....

[Aaron McNeely <mamcneely@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- Thad Robosson <starstarcracker@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hey All, 
> 
> Could someone give a simplistic (if possible)
> explanation as to why this month's full moon seems
> to come up only 30 minutes (+/-) later on successive
> evenings?  (As opposed to roughly an hour later.)  I
> know that there are a few mechanisms that are
> responsible, but I'm not sure if I grasp the entire
> concept properly.
> 
> Thad
> 
> Thad Robosson
> Double star enthusiast
> Member Saguaro Astronomy Club
> ATM group chairman
> Owner/operator Twin Points Observatory
> 33 27 N, 112 19 W
> Phoenix, Arizona, USA
> 
> 


Hi. I noticed this also. I kept going out this week
seeking to get a few minutes of moon-free viewing. I
ended up viewing the moon instead.

I believe that this is the Harvest Moon effect. The
full moon closest to the September equinox is the
Harvest Moon. The ecliptic makes a shallow angle
against the horizon, so the moon appears to skim the
horizon more than normal. The Harvest Moon enabled
farmers to continue their harvest into the evening
hours by providing moonlight. 

Kind of cool, wouldn't you agree? The weather here in
Indiana has also been beautifully clear and cool. 





=====
Michael Aaron McNeely
New Carlisle, Indiana
mamcneely@xxxxxxxxx

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