Full Harvest Moonrise Walk at Mount Hope Farm
by Michael Corvese
It was a clear, cool night at Mt. Hope Farm on October 6th for the Full Moon Walk. I arrived at about 5pm to set up my telescopes and binoculars. As I drove down to the water, I saw at least a dozen deer wandering the fields and forests surrounding Mt. Hope Farm. Living only 10 minutes away, I had never visited these wonderful grounds that are open and free to the public.
When I arrived at the viewing field, I was impressed by the beautiful view of Mt. Hope Bridge and Mt. Hope Bay. A soft breeze was moving up the bay and a curious doe approached me while I set up my equipment. Curiosity apparently satisfied, she rejoined her friends after coming within 25 yards of me and my equipment.
By 5:30, attendees began arriving on foot from the upper farm area about 1 mile away. About 35 guests listened to a short talk by me on the history and current theories of the origins of the Moon. The spectacular full Moon rose above the Fall River horizon across Mt. Hope bay at about 6pm.
I had set up a 4.5 inch Newtonian reflecting telescope, a table with 3 sets of binoculars, and handouts on the Moon. Everyone had a chance to view the Moon and asked many questions about it and about astronomy in general. Light refreshments were served during the viewing and discussion of the Moon.
As the crowd thinned and full darkness began to fall, we were able to observe Saturn and its largest moon Titan. As always, Saturn was a big hit with the guests.
At 7:30pm, we concluded the event, I packed my equipment, said goodbyes, and headed back across the bridge and home. I’m looking forward to coming back and further exploring the grounds of this beautiful place.
