It’s usually June that does the busting out, but we’re sure you’ve noticed the vibrant fall colors already appearing in the gorgeous trees and foliage we are so blessed to enjoy here in our fair city. It seems like the colors are popping a little sooner than usual, and hopefully that means we will enjoy a good old-fashioned colorful autumn. You may have also noticed the trees aren’t the only things busting out. Last evening a big bright yellow oval shaped, larger-than-usual object was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds. Hope you caught it because it was special. And stay tuned because Sunday comes (drumroll . . .) the October full moon, aptly named the Hunter’s Moon!
The Hunter’s Moon will reach peak illumination Sunday at 4:54pm Eastern time, but don’t rush out then, because it will be below the horizon. You’ll have to wait until sunset to watch it rise, appearing larger and more orange than usual. This is a phenomena known as “moon illusion,” which is so interesting it almost deserves a separate post. But since this one will have to last you until Tuesday (since Monday is a holiday), here goes. When the moon is high overhead it is dwarfed to some degree by all the other heavenly objects to which we compare it. But when it appears just over the horizon, our brain compares it earthly objects (towers, chimneys, treetops) that provide the scale by which your brain measures size. And so, at that time, the moon appears larger than normal. You will note that as the moon eventually rises, the size again diminishes.
Colorful trees and foliage, Hunter’s Moon, and “moon illusion” all in one post. And the holiday? What once was Columbus Day is now Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Being 100% Sicilian my better half was not excited about losing Columbus Day, but it is good to acknowledge that many folks in this area have some degree of Native American blood coursing through their veins, and so we salute you and the Native American culture as well. Enjoy all of it through the long weekend, New Franklin.
Original source can be found here
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