The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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Discussion

September 27, 2008

Harvest moon still important

By Bob Killam, columnist

Phases of the moon for October are:

• Oct. 7: First quarter.

• Oct. 14: Full moon (harvest moon).

• Oct. 22: Last quarter.

• Oct. 29: New moon.



The harvest moon in almanacs is the next full moon after the September equinox, hence more likely in October. It is the one “moon” whose name survives in real use.

For everyone, it is conspicuous; for farmers it is vital. At the climax of harvest, they could work late into the night by the autumn moon’s light.



The peak of the Orionid meteor shower falls on Oct. 21, and this is an unfavorable year for this major shower due to the waning gibbous to last quarter moon.

But, you should see the bright ones if you are in a dark sky location. Typical shower meteors are very fast, sometimes bright and often leave persistent trains.



Leonardo’s Star Quest Astronomy Club meets the second Tuesday night of the month at Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse and the fourth Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma College Enid observatory. Sessions start at 8.



Every Wednesday and Thursday, weather permitting, the NOC observatory will open to the general public.

Sessions start at 8 p.m. Large groups planning to visit should call 548-2399 to schedule an appointment.



Killam is resident astronomer and astronomical league coordinator for Leonardo’s Star Quest Astronomy Club and a Northern Oklahoma College adjunct faculty member serving as director of NOC observatory.

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