Moonrise, Moonset

Capturing the rising full moons each month is a challenge for me. I enjoy doing so, but it’s not always easy. Too often, the evening is cloudy, and sometimes it even rains on that particular evening after days without precipitation.

But when the weather is clear, I check a reliable website that provides the degree and direction the moon will appear. I have to be smart enough to interpret the chart.

I was ready for the latest moonrise, or so I thought. I found a location behind the athletic fields of Harrisonburg High School where I anticipated the moon to appear. Seeing the moon peak above the Massanutten Mountain east of the city is always a joy.

Unfortunately, my understanding of the calculations was too narrow. It was past time for the moon to appear, and I still couldn’t see it. So, I walked to where I could see the entire mountainous horizon, and immediately spotted November’s Super Full Hunter Moon. It hung just above the horizon, as the above photo shows.

I switched to my long lens and snapped a few photos as the low clouds, reflecting the setting sun, began to cover the moon. I was satisfied with those shots and headed home.

I was up early a couple of days later to participate in a bird walk on a local private homestead that abuts the North Mountain in the western section of Rockingham County.

As we gathered the small group at the starting spot, the leader pointed out the waning gibbous moon above the forested mountain. The early morning light nearly obscured the moon, making it hard to see between the clouds and the rising morning haze.

Dim as it was, the moonset was a pleasant surprise that made up for my confusion about the moonrise.

© Bruce Stambaugh 2025