Something very strange and rare is about to show up on the night sky this evening! The moon will appear exceptionally large and its colour will have a golden hue. The reason for this unusual event is a natural phenomenon called “Honey Moon.” Make sure you do not miss it, since the last time it happened was about 100 years ago, in 1919, while the next Honey Moon is expected to glow up the sky in 2089.
The cause for this interesting phenomenon is a combination of many factors. First, now is June’s full moon. Second, today it will also be the moon’s perigee or the time when it is located closest to the Earth. That is namely why the moon will look oddly huge tonight. Third, all of that will coincide with this month’s summer solstice or when the sun appears highest in the sky. When these three factors combine with some atmospheric pollution and dust they make the moon appear yellowish. Thus, the Honey Moon!
In the past, people used to follow closely the positions of the moon and sun. They believed that these two celestial bodies could predict mankind’s future. Often they would associate a strangely coloured moon with the arrival of the Apocalypse. However, that was not the case with the Honey Moon. Our predecessor thought that this event would usher a fruitful summer. Therefore, as a modern-day person, you should not see the golden moon as a bad omen… even if shows up on a day like Friday 13th.
An interesting fact is that the word “honeymoon” was inspired by this event. That is because of the moon’s amber colour. Also, in the past, weddings were traditionally organized in June. People believed that the phases of the moon are similar to the phases of the marriage. The full moon was often associated with a couple’s honeymoon or their first days of marriage, since it is the brightest phase of the moon.
The Honey Moon phenomenon will be most visible in Chile and the Canary Islands, as well as in some parts of North America and Europe. Unfortunately, UAE may not get a good view of the event, since by the time it starts the sun may already be on the horizon. However, the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and the Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile will live stream the Honey Moon as soon as it starts, which will be around 5 a.m. on Saturday 14th in the UAE.
