Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:05 pm GMT
A partial lunar eclipse coinciding with the Super Harvest Moon will be visible across much of North America on September 17, 2024. This celestial event is set to captivate stargazers as the moon appears slightly larger in the sky during its supermoon phase. It presents a unique opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers to witness a remarkable spectacle in the night sky.
What to Expect from the Super Harvest Moon Eclipse
The upcoming partial lunar eclipse will occur when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, causing a shadow to cast over the lunar surface. While only 8.7% of the moon will be obscured by the Earth’s shadow, any lunar eclipse is visually striking. The event will be marked by the moon taking on a subtle shading that can be quite mesmerizing.
Here are some key details for viewing the lunar eclipse:
- Date: September 17, 2024
- Eclipse Start (EDT): 8:40 PM
- Eclipse Peak (EDT): 10:44 PM
- Visibility: North and South America (except Alaska), Europe, most of Africa, western Asia, and parts of Antarctica
- Best Viewing Times in Major Cities:
– New York City: 8:40 PM EDT
– London (Greatest peak): 3:45 AM BST on September 18
In addition to its beauty, the Super Harvest Moon represents the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox, which adds cultural significance to this astronomical event.
How to Watch the Eclipse Online
If you’re unable to view the eclipse in person, don’t worry. Multiple livestreams will be available for you to enjoy this celestial phenomenon from the comfort of your home:
- TimeAndDate.com: A livestream will start at 9 PM ET (01:00 GMT on September 18) featuring interactive maps and resources.
- Virtual Telescope Project: Astronomer Gianluca Masi will provide live telescope views starting at 8:30 PM EDT (00:30 GMT on September 18).
- Adler Planetarium: Their livestream will begin at 10 PM EDT (9 PM CDT), featuring experts offering live commentary and practical viewing tips.
Be sure to check these platforms in advance to ensure your viewing experience goes smoothly.
Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon
A supermoon occurs when the moon is within 90% of the closest point to Earth, known as perigee. This causes the moon to appear approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than during a standard full moon. The elliptical shape of the moon’s orbit leads to these variations in size, making the supermoon a highly anticipated occurrence.
Moreover, lunar eclipses offer a unique visual experience:
- Shadow Types: The Earth has three types of shadows that affect how eclipse events are perceived:
– Umbra: The darkest part, where the sun is completely obscured.
– Penumbra: A partial shadow where the sun is only partially blocked.
– Antumbra: The area where the observer sees a ring of light around the moon, known as an annular eclipse.
The Effects of Lunar Eclipses on Zodiac Signs
Astrology enthusiasts may also be interested to learn about how this lunar eclipse affects zodiac signs. Generally, eclipses are seen as spiritual transitions. The influence varies depending on each sign, often relating to themes of emotional release, transformation, and personal insights.
While specific effects can be nuanced based on individual natal charts, here are some general themes:
- Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Boost in creativity and energy.
- Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Practical realizations and grounding.
- Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Enhanced communication and ideas.
- Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Deep emotional awareness and intuition.
Observing the Moon Beyond the Eclipse
Whether or not the eclipse is visible, the moon remains an intriguing subject for observation. The surface of the moon is marked by craters and “seas” that are best viewed with telescopes. For those keen on exploring more about astronomy, investing in quality telescopes and binoculars can significantly enhance the viewing experience.
- Recommended Telescope:
– The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is highly recommended for beginners looking to delve into astronomy.
For those interested in photography, tips on capturing images of the moon and a selection of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography are readily available online.
The Super Harvest Moon lunar eclipse is coming soon, and lots of people will be looking up at the sky to see it. It’s a special chance to appreciate how beautiful our universe is and to enjoy exploring the stars. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this exciting event!
