Stargazers in New York City and surrounding areas are expected to witness a bright celestial display as the first supermoon of the year illuminates the night sky tonight. The Harvest Supermoon is reportedly when the moon is closest to Earth, thus appearing larger and brighter than usual.
For those who may miss tonight’s display, CBS News New York notes that additional supermoons are expected in November and December. The peak of the phenomenon will take place at approximately 11:48 p.m.
The Harvest Supermoon has been historically significant, earning its name for traditionally aiding farmers with the end-of-season harvest by providing additional light. The term, as further described by New York Post, aligns with its occurrence near the fall equinox. Moreover, the supermoon will appear fuller around moonrise at 6:08 p.m. due to the "moon illusion," making it seem even larger to the naked eye.
Viewing conditions across New York and the tri-state area are forecast to remain clear, giving residents an unobstructed view of the "rad moon rising," as per the National Weather Service forecast cited by the New York Post. And while tonight's event is special, regular moon observation is also encouraged. "I would encourage people to go out and look at the moon, not just Monday or Tuesday, but later in the week, over the course of a month, over several months, to notice changes in the moon," NASA's Artemis III project scientist Noah Petro told CNN.
