Stunning Harvest Supermoon & Partial Lunar Eclipse: Essential Guide to Witness the Cosmic Spectacle | Space News
On the night of September 17, a celestial trifecta will occur as the Earth, Sun, and Moon align. People across various time zones will have the chance to witness a harvest moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse.
Firstly, a full moon is when the moon is exactly 180 degrees opposite the sun, fully illuminated by it. This month’s full moon will peak at 10:35 PM EDT on September 17 (02:35 GMT on September 18) and generally rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.
A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth’s shadow partially covers the moon, unlike the full coverage in a total lunar eclipse. This event will commence at 8:41 PM EDT (00:41 GMT), peak at 10:44 PM EDT (02:44 GMT), and conclude by 12:47 AM EDT (04:47 GMT). At its peak, the top eight percent of the moon will be in full shadow.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. This phenomenon, termed by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, results in a visually striking moon.
Additionally, this full moon is classified as a harvest moon, the nearest full moon to the autumn equinox, occurring this year on September 22. This moon appears with a reddish-orange hue and provides additional evening light, aiding farmers traditionally in harvesting crops.
The full moon will reach its highest point of illumination at 10:35 PM EDT, with the eclipse peaking at 10:44 PM EDT. Areas like the Eastern US will see the eclipse at its darkest around this time, while Europe and Africa will witness it in the early morning of September 18.
For optimal viewing, stargazers should find a dark location and use binoculars with a magnification of at least 7 for detailed visibility.
Prepare for an extraordinary night of cosmic wonders as the sky stages this unique triple event.
Original Story https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/17/harvest-moon-supermoon-bring-a-partial-lunar-eclipse-how-when-to-watch
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