Harvest full Moon to illuminate the sky: Last supermoon of 2023 on long weekend holiday

As September bids farewell, skywatchers and stargazers are in for a celestial treat with the final supermoon of the year 2023.

Dubbed the “Harvest Moon,” this month’s full moon holds special significance as it closely follows the autumn equinox, which took place on September 23.

This marks the fourth consecutive supermoon of the year, as per the Farmers’ Almanac.

Supermoons, in essence, are celestial events where the moon’s proximity to Earth is slightly closer than during an average full moon, resulting in a visually larger and brighter appearance from our terrestrial vantage point.

Watch the supermoon rise

The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) defines a supermoon as a full Moon that nearly aligns with perigee, representing the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit.

This proximity results in a perceptibly larger lunar disk when viewed from Earth.

The DAG anticipates the grand finale of the lunar calendar, as the last supermoon of the year promises to be a visual spectacle. According to the DAG, this lunar event will offer avid astronomers and skywatchers a treat for the eyes.

To enhance the viewing experience, the DAG is organising a ticketed event at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre, located in Dubai’s Mushrif Park.

The event will encompass lectures, telescope-based observations, and opportunities for astrophotography enthusiasts to capture this rare occurrence.