"northern" Moon: rising and transiting

Event Date: October 29th

Time: 6:30 PM/12:27(.17) AM

Brief

   The full Moon rises early now at this time of year, with earlier Sunsets.  Called the "Hunter's Moon", this one provided good light for the hunters during their season of attacking animals that would provide them food during cold winters, if not beyond.  Also, similar to the Harvest Moon last month, this one transits high in the sky, as seen from mid-northern latitudes.  As we get closer to the winter solstice for this time of year, we see full Moons where the Sun is 6 months before and after this date.  Therefore, if we convert to the Sun's position of April 29th, we can imagine it in the middle of spring transiting near zenith at lower northern latitudes; those at mid-northern latitudes see it a little lower, while those at far north latitudes see it in the sky almost 24/7, never below the horizon if far enough north.

   Here is the Moon rising in the first image, low in the east-northeast.  Being further north on the celestial dome, the Moon makes a slow "curve".  The celestial grid displayed, marks this, as I have shown in the past. The ecliptic is as well.

Detailed

   As the Moon became high in the sky earlier this morning, still nearly at the crest of fullness, we can see using the altitude/azimuth grid, how high we see it.  Take a look here.

click on image to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.

Using the altitude markers along the meridian, we see that the Moon transits at 65º.  The maximum that we see a Moon transit at this part of the sky [at this celestial longitude] is about 3 1/2º further north, when the precession of the nodes puts the orbit as many as 5 1/2º north of the ecliptic; it is just under 2º this year, yet either way, we see the Moon very well placed for any hunters out there needing a night's-worth of extra light.  Enjoy the next few full Moons as they transit, as they do so higher than others during the year.  For example, when they transit near the northern hemisphere's first day of summer, they are low in the sky, where the Sun is seen near the first day(s) of winter.