Stargazers will be in for another celestial treat on Tuesday night as three cosmic events occur simultaneously during the full moon.
After last month brought a blue supermoon to space enthusiasts, September’s harvest moon will not only be accompanied by a supermoon, but also a blood moon and a partial lunar eclipse.
Teresa, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said that while harvest moons occur around the beginning of fall each year and supermoons occur three to four times a year, all three occur at the same time. Those are “fairly rare”. Monceau told NPR.
According to NASA, the moon is considered “super” when it is full and at its closest point in its orbit to Earth. When the Earth is between the full Moon and the Sun, and the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, a lunar eclipse occurs.
How to See the Full Harvest Supermoon and Lunar Eclipse
The best time to view the event will depend on your location, but the eclipse will peak at 10:44 p.m. ET, according to NASA. All of North and South America will have a chance to see a partial eclipse and, depending on the season, harvest a supermoon. Europe and Africa will also get a chance to see the solar eclipse.
The eclipse will be partial, with only the top of the moon submerged in the darkest part of Earth’s shadow known as the umbra, Monsue said.
“Except for a small dark area at the top of the lunar disk, most of the visible lunar disk will be in the Earth’s penumbra, the lighter part of the planet’s shadow that does not completely block sunlight,” he added. said This will give most of the moon a reddish-brown appearance that we call a “blood moon”.
And unlike a solar eclipse, where you must wear special glasses to protect your vision while viewing, skygazers can view Tuesday’s eclipse easily and without eye protection.
Monsue said it’s safe to look directly at the moon during a lunar eclipse because it’s reflected light that isn’t brighter than moonlight.
If you use binoculars or binoculars, the eclipse should be a good opportunity for contrasting views of craters and other features on the moon’s surface, he said.
When can I see the next lunar eclipse and supermoon?
If you missed Tuesday night’s eclipse and supermoon, unfortunately the next eclipse won’t happen until October 8, 2033, according to Monsue.
But you will be able to see another total supermoon on October 17 and a total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025.
There will also be an annular solar eclipse, or “Ring of Fire” eclipse, on October 2 when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, but is at or near its farthest from our planet. But the only potential audience America will have a chance to see inside will be in Hawaii.
September 2024 Full Moon: How to Make the Most of the Harvest Moon
The full moon in September 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect chance to tap into some lunar magic! Known as the Harvest Moon, this full moon is all about celebrating what you’ve achieved and looking forward to new goals.
Here’s how you can embrace the magic of the Harvest Moon:
- Reflect and Be Thankful: Take a moment to think about everything you’ve done this year. Maybe write down what you’re grateful for or talk about it with someone close to you. It’s a nice way to appreciate your hard work and set intentions for the future.
- Celebrate with Harvest Symbols: Use fruits, veggies, or grains to mark the occasion. You could create a small display or make a special meal. It’s a fun way to honor the season and the bounty it brings.
- Focus on Your Goals: The full moon’s energy is great for thinking about what you want to achieve next. Write down your goals and dreams, and spend some time imagining them coming true. This can help you set a clear path forward.
- Release What’s Holding You Back: Use this time to let go of any negativity or things that are holding you back. You might light a candle, take a soothing bath, or do a simple ritual to help clear your mind.
- Enjoy the Moonlight: Spend some time outside under the full moon. Just relax and soak in its light. It can be a calming way to connect with nature and get some clarity.
