Lucy Robinson
Updated on: October 12, 2024 5:26 pm GMT
Skywatchers across the United States and beyond are in for a celestial treat with the combination of the Super Harvest Moon and a partial lunar eclipse. This unique event, taking place on September 17, 2023, promises to capture the attention of stargazers and lunar enthusiasts alike. Here’s how to watch and what to expect from this astronomical phenomenon.
Celestial Events to Witness
On the night of September 17, three exciting celestial events will occur in coordination:
- Supermoon: This full moon will appear larger and brighter than usual as it reaches its closest point to Earth.
- Harvest Moon: The full moon closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally providing farmers with extra light for harvesting their crops.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: A section of the moon will slip into the Earth’s shadow, creating a unique visual experience.
According to NASA, the full moon will reach its peak at 10:35 PM EDT (02:35 GMT on September 18).
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Specifically, this phenomenon happens when the moon is within 90% of its perigee—the point in the moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth. Richard Nolle, an astrologer, coined the term “supermoon” in 1979.
Why is the Harvest Moon Special?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the northern hemisphere’s autumn equinox, which this year falls on September 22.
- Traditionally, the Farmers’ Almanac notes that this full moon rises just after sunset for several nights, offering farmers additional evening light for harvesting.
- The Harvest Moon often appears orange and red due to the optical illusion when it’s close to the horizon, which makes it seem noticeably larger.
Timing of the Partial Lunar Eclipse
The partial lunar eclipse will unfold in several phases:
- Begins: 8:41 PM EDT
- Partial Shadow Entry: 9:13 PM EDT, as the moon rises in the east-southeastern sky.
- Maximum Coverage: 10:44 PM EDT, when about 8% of the moon will be in the Earth’s full shadow.
- End of Full Shadow: 11:16 PM EDT
- Complete Exit from Partial Shadow: 12:47 AM EDT on September 18.
Unlike total lunar eclipses, which plunge the moon into a blood-red hue, this partial eclipse will show only the upper edge of the moon slightly darkened—a subtle change that might appear as a slight smudge.
Visibility Across Regions
Observers in different regions will have varying experiences of this event:
- Iowa: The partial eclipse can be seen starting at 9:13 PM, with maximum coverage at 9:44 PM. Skywatchers should be prepared for just a small fraction of the moon to be obscured.
- Eastern United States: Viewers here will have a good view of the eclipse, peaking at 10:44 PM.
- United Kingdom: The eclipse will be most prominent around 3:44 AM BST on September 18.
- Europe and Africa: Look for the eclipse in the early morning hours of September 18.
Best Viewing Tips
To enhance your experience, consider the following tips:
- Find a Dark Location: Being away from city lights can significantly improve your viewing experience.
- Use Binoculars or a Telescope: NASA recommends binoculars with a minimum magnification of 7 for the best detail, though 10 or 15 is ideal.
- Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for viewing the moon. It’s wise to check the weather forecast for your area.
The Science Behind a Partial Lunar Eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. This phase contrasts with a total eclipse, where the entire moon is engulfed in darkness.
- During the eclipse, sunlight refracts through the Earth’s atmosphere, which can slightly alter the moon’s appearance.
- Different parts of the Earth’s shadow affect the moon’s appearance differently, leading to the unique shading effect.
Conclusion
The Super Harvest Moon and the partial lunar eclipse on September 17 present a rare and beautiful opportunity for skywatchers. With proper planning and perhaps a pair of binoculars, everyone can enjoy these stunning celestial events. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply looking for a captivating night under the stars, don’t miss this chance to connect with the cosmos.
The moon is beautiful, and lunar eclipses are really exciting to watch. But these amazing events don’t last long, so make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to look up at the sky!
