On the evening of September 17, 2024, sky watchers in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse as the full Harvest Moon rises. This special event marks the final full moon of the summer and is known as the Harvest Moon in the Northern Hemisphere. The Harvest Moon historically provided extra moonlight for farmers to work late into the night bringing in the harvest.
In addition to being a Harvest Moon, this lunar event will also be a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter due to its elliptical orbit. The moon will be at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, during this full moon phase, creating a stunning sight in the night sky. This supermoon will be the second of four consecutive supermoons in 2024.
While the full moon will be a beautiful sight at moonrise, the lunar eclipse itself will not begin until later in the evening. The moon will reach its full phase at 10:34 p.m. EDT, just before the partial eclipse reaches its peak. The eclipse will start with the moon entering Earth’s penumbra, its outer shadow, gradually losing brightness over 90 minutes. This penumbral eclipse phase will occur between 8:41 p.m. and 10:13 p.m. EDT.
Following the penumbral phase, the moon will move into Earth’s darker inner shadow, the umbra, creating a dramatic partial eclipse. While only 8.4% of the moon’s surface will be covered by the umbra, this phase will be the most visually striking. Sky watchers can observe this phase between 10:13 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. EDT, with the peak eclipse moment at 10:44 p.m. EDT. As the eclipse phases conclude, the moon will gradually emerge from Earth’s shadow, with the final penumbral phase ending between 11:15 p.m. and 12:47 a.m. EDT.
Although stargazing binoculars or telescopes are not necessary to enjoy the full moon or the eclipse, they can enhance the viewing experience by revealing details on the lunar surface that are not visible to the naked eye. Whether you are an avid sky watcher or a casual observer, this lunar event promises to be a captivating sight for all who witness it.
This celestial event provides a unique opportunity to marvel at the beauty and wonder of our universe. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare to witness the magic of the Harvest Supermoon Eclipse on September 17, 2024.