Hunter’s Moon rising over Roseberry

Another full moon, the second since the Autumn equinox, traditionally known on the Hunter’s Moon because at this time of the lunar year the moon rises just 30 minutes later than the day before. Normally the average is 50 minutes. In effect making the evenings lighter which makes the hunter’s (or poacher’s) job easier. It marks the traditional start of the hunting season. Sometimes the Harvest Moon appears as a blood red but the atmospheric conditions weren’t right tonight. The September full moon enjoys a similar early rising and that goes by the name of the Harvest Moon when the lighter evening aids the harvesting.

The Harvest Moon has formed the inspiration for many a poet and songwriter. This is Ted Hughes:

“The flame-red moon, the harvest moon, rolls along the hills, gently bouncing, a vast balloon, till it takes off, and sinks upward to lie on the bottom of the sky, like a gold doubloon. The harvest moon has come, booming softly through heaven, like a bassoon. And the earth replies all night, like a deep drum.”