“The action begins at sunset on Sept 22nd, the last day of northern summer. As the sun sinks in the west, bringing the season to a close, the full Harvest Moon will rise in the east, heralding the start of fall. The two sources of light will mix together to create a kind of 360-degree, summer-autumn twilight glow that is only seen on rare occasions.”
Author: Dr. Tony Phillips | Credit: Science@NASA
A week ago, on September 22, we dropped off a car at the mechanics and took a walk on the beach…A beautiful night, there were plenty of walkers, joggers, dogs, surfers and swimmers. There won’t be too many more nights like this before winter. What I hadn’t expected, what I had failed to read about in the paper or hear on the radio, was that there would be a special Super Harvest Moon this night…a full moon coinciding with the autumnal equinox. What a marvelous surprise…What a marvel. It took my breath away to suddenly see this pale moon rise out of the ocean. Everyone on the beach seemed to have stopped to witness it…We wondered where the ocean liner was headed and whether the passengers on board were watching the moon too.
Sonnet of the Moon
by Charles Best, 1608
Look how the pale Queen of the silent night
doth cause the ocean to attend upon her,
and he, as long as she is in sight,
with his full tide is ready here to honor;
But when the silver waggon of the Moon
is mounted up so high he cannot follow,
the sea calls home his crystal waves to morn,
and with low ebb doth manifest his sorrow.
So you that are sovereign of my heart
have all my joys attending on your will,
when you return, their tide my heart doth fill.
So as you come and as you depart,
joys ebb and flow within my tender heart.
12 comments:
This is a beautiful post; both the photos and the sonnet.
gorgeous photos - it was a beautiful beautiful moon, though my perch was not quite as beautiful as yours.
What a beautiful post. I can imagine those passengers on the ship and am sure they were all looking at that beautiful moon.
oh goodness ..i could not think of a more special way to see that moon..thank you so very much for sharing it ...
La Bella Luna!
We missed the first few days of this sight as it was overcast here. Did you see Jupiter was also very close to the moon? Just beautiful!
I've always meant to look up the reason why the harvest moon looks so beautiful. Thanks for providing me with an explanation. I've tried to take pictures of it before but mine never show the size and awesomeness of the sight.
We've been savoring the night sky lately--the moon this time of year is simply enchanting! We've been observing Jupiter in the sky--dazzing to see its moons. And Uranus has been in the sky too! Just love sky-gazing...*sigh*... We're just back from a little impromptu trip, so catching our breath, doing laundry & all sorts, and checking in with friends. :o)((HUGS))
OH! You always find the best stuff to share. Hey, I was stopping by to ask you "in person" if you would like to join my blog swap. I think it might be something you'd really enjoy. Of course, if you don't want to, I completely understand. Still... I'd be delighted to have you. Happy Friday! It's almost here. Oh, I forgot to say that sign up ends tomorrow night.
so in love with these pics...exhale.
thanks for this moment of zen. one love.
I do so love it when elements of the cosmos align perfectly. Thank you for this lovely reminder.
lovely post. so romantic gazing at the moon on the beach... (sigh)
You captured it perfectly, and I love that sonnet. Thank you for this beautiful post! xo
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