September’s Full Harvest Moon will be more than just a celestial spectacle this year; it will also witness a partial lunar eclipse. This event is set to take place on the evening of September 17, and it’s expected to be visible across much of North America, as well as in South America, Europe, parts of Africa, western Asia, Russia, and Antarctica.
This month’s Full Harvest Moon is the second of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. Following August’s Super Blue Moon, the Full Harvest Moon will be slightly larger and brighter than average due to its proximity to Earth. The phenomenon of a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon. This alignment can only occur during a full moon. Lunar eclipses offer a visual demonstration of Earth’s spherical shape, as the shadow cast is always curved, affirming that Earth is not flat.
The upcoming lunar eclipse will be a partial one, meaning only a portion of the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow. Specifically, the upper part of the moon will enter the Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. This partial eclipse will give the moon a reddish-brown hue, often referred to as a “blood moon,” due to the light scattering effects of Earth’s atmosphere.
Most of the moon will be in the penumbra, which is the lighter outer shadow where the sunlight is only partially blocked. This results in a less dramatic darkening compared to total lunar eclipses.
For those in the Eastern Time Zone of the U.S., the eclipse will reach its peak—where the moon is most deeply immersed in the umbra—around 10:44 PM EDT on September 17. In Europe and Africa, observers will catch the eclipse during the pre-dawn hours of September 18. For Londoners, the peak of the eclipse will occur at approximately 3:45 AM BST.
The Full Harvest Moon and the accompanying partial lunar eclipse will be a stunning sight for skywatchers around the world. Those in the areas where it will be visible should take advantage of the opportunity to view this celestial event, which combines the beauty of a supermoon with the dramatic effect of a partial lunar eclipse.
As always with such astronomical events, clear skies and minimal light pollution will enhance the viewing experience. Whether you’re in North America or Europe, this celestial event is a great reminder of the wonders of the universe and the beauty of our night sky.
