SOMETHING CORNY COMING THIS WAY

Are you ready for something a little corny? For the first time in three years, September’s only full moon is early this year. They call it the Corn Moon. Hey everyone. I’m Scoop, the Cub Reporter here at my desk in The Shady Pines Gazette office. This is so cool. I just had to tell you about it.

The Corn Moon is known as the final full moon of the summer. Do you want to see it? If you live on the east coast like New York City, or like us here in Shady Pines Story Town, the moon will rise tonight (Wednesday September 2nd)  at 8:06 p.m. local time.

This moon is part of the constellation of stars called, Aquarius. (You might want to look that up) The Corn Moon will fade from view at 7:32 a.m Wednesday morning. You should be able to see it again on Wednesday night. That ‘s what the folks at the space agency NASA are telling us. 

Here’s another reason why 2020 is not like any other year. Normally, the full moon in September rises closer to the beginning of the fall season, around the 22nd of the month. When it does, it’s called the Harvest Moon according to the Farmers’ Almanac.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE FULL CORN MOON?

So, I did some research. Here’s the deal. Full moons got their names from Native Americans. Based on where they lived, the Indians named full moons after natural events during the season. That way they could keep track of the time of the year. Since this moon showed up earlier than expected, it’s called the Full Corn Moon because the farmers are about to  start harvesting corn. 

Here’s what it says in the Farmer’s Almanac: “Corn requires up to 100 frost-free days to reach harvest depending upon variety and the amount of heat during the growing season. That would take us to around the end of August to early September. So, for a full moon in early September, it seems appropriate to brand it as a Corn Moon.”

WHEN TO SEE THE FULL CORN MOON

Remember, you can start watching it rise after tonight’s sunset. For the best view of the last full moon of the summer, look toward the eastern horizon.

If you miss this one, the next big moon event will appear full twice in October’s skies with the Blue Moon. You’ll be able to see that one – wait for it – on Oct. 31. Halloween!

Happy skywatching!

– Scoop out!