See tonight’s Harvest Moon in the South Downs

See tonight’s Harvest Moon in the South Downs

September 20, 2016

We’re hoping the skies clear for tonight’s Harvest Moon. The forecast predicts gaps in the cloud with a dry night ahead.

The Harvest Moon is the name of the full moon that falls closest to the autumn equinox. Tonight’s also coincides with a penumbral eclipse, this is when the moon passes through the outer part of the earth’s shadow, which creates a shady corner of the full moon. This rare phenomenon won’t be visible again until 2024.

What better to enjoy the Harvest Moon than snuggled in a blanket on the top of a hill in the UK’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve?

Try these top stargazing spots for a magical evening. Stay warm!

1. Midhurst area – explore the Open Access Land on Iping, Stedham and Barlavington Commons.
2. Queen Elizabeth Country Park – get closer to the moon at the top of Butser Hill.
3. The Downland car parks  – Firle, Harting Down, Bignor and the Trundle make great stargazing spots along the South Downs Ridge.
4. Birling Gap – visit when the tide is out for a spectacular stargazing location.
5. Old Winchester Hill – descend into the valley or stay up top and take in the Milky Way while the glow from Southampton sits on the horizon.

Featured image Birling Gap Perseids meteor shower in August by Les Hunt