Tomorrow, September 17, 2024, a partial lunar eclipse will align with the Super Harvest Moon, offering skywatchers a spectacular display. The Full Harvest Moon, which coincides with the fall equinox, will pass through a portion of Earth’s shadow. This celestial event will be visible to observers across North and South America (excluding Alaska), Europe, much of Africa, western Asia, and parts of Antarctica.
As the Full Harvest Moon moves into the penumbral shadow of Earth, it will trigger a partial eclipse. This celestial event promises to be a visual delight not only for passionate astronomy enthusiasts but also for casual observers.
A harvest moon: what is it?
The Harvest Moon, a significant full moon, will occur tomorrow, September 17, 2024. This event is both an astronomical and cultural phenomenon. The term “Harvest Moon” denotes the full moon closest to the fall equinox. Historically, it was timed to align with the crop harvest, allowing farmers to work through the night into the early morning hours under its bright light.
Why is tomorrow’s Harvest moon unique?
What makes this Harvest Moon particularly special is that it will also be a Supermoon. A Supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. The combination of the Harvest Moon and the Supermoon will create a stunning visual spectacle.
Adding to the excitement of the Super Harvest Moon, a partial lunar eclipse will also occur. As a portion of the moon moves into Earth’s shadow, it will create a subtle yet captivating effect. This event will be visible across much of North America (excluding Alaska), most of South America, Europe, much of Africa, western Asia, and parts of Antarctica.
With the enhanced size and brightness of the Super Harvest Moon combined with the partial lunar eclipse, this will be a breathtaking sight for stargazers and astronomers alike. Find the best vantage point and enjoy the rare and unparalleled beauty of this celestial phenomenon.
A partial moon eclipse: what is it?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align so that Earth casts its shadow on the moon. Tomorrow, the eclipse will be a partial one, with only the top 8.7% of the moon covered by Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the umbra.
Where is this visible?
The best view of the eclipse will be for observers in North and South America, as it will occur during the evening hours. In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will take place in the early morning hours. Viewers in western Asia and parts of Antarctica will see it late at night or early in the morning. This wide-ranging visibility means that a significant portion of the global population will have the opportunity to witness this rare and stunning phenomenon.
When the super harvest moon eclipse occurs
In the Eastern U.S. time zone, the partial eclipse is expected to start on September 17 at approximately 8:40 p.m. EDT, with the peak occurring at 10:44 p.m. EDT. In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will conclude in the pre-dawn hours of September 18. For example, residents of London are likely to witness the peak at 3:45 a.m. BST. Unfortunately, this astronomical event will not be visible in India.
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