On Tuesday, September 17, a supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, offering skywatchers a unique spectacle.
While a full moon occurs every year, supermoons occur three to four times a year, and partial lunar eclipses occur at least twice annually. However, the coincidence of all three events is rare.
Here's what you need to know about this unusual celestial phenomenon and the best way to observe it.
🌕 What is a harvest supermoon?
A superharvest moon is a full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which usually falls on September 22 or 23 Every year. It will become visible immediately at moonrise.
As NASA explains, supermoon occurs when the full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Because of this proximity, the moon appears about 7% larger and 15% brighter than a typical full moon.
When this full moon coincides with the equinox, it is called full moon before the autumn equinox. In accordance with Almanac.comThis special arrangement provided farmers with additional light during the harvest season, as it rose close to the horizon for several evenings in a row.
⏰ When will the partial lunar eclipse begin?
In accordance with NASATomorrow's partial lunar eclipse begins at 8:41 p.m. ET, when it begins to enter Earth's partial shadow. The eclipse will peak at 10:44 p.m. The moon will finish emerging from total shadow at 11:16 p.m. and from partial shadow Wednesday morning at 12:47 p.m.
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the Moon passes through Earth's shadow, the darkest part of its shadow. During partial lunar eclipseThe Moon's surface is partially obscured by the Earth's shadow, creating a dramatic visual effect as the Moon goes through various stages of partial occultation.
Unlike a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon is completely covered shadow (the first shadow cast during an eclipse), a partial eclipse affects only part of the Moon's surface.
🔭 How to See the Supermoon Eclipse During Harvest Time
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Find the eastern horizon. To track the moon, starting at moonrise, find a spot with a good view of the eastern horizon. “The lower and less built-up your horizon, the more likely you are to see the Harvest Moon rise in all its glory — a fantastic sight that heralds the start of autumn,” the BBC reports. Sky at night.
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Check your local moonrise time. Applications such as My Moon Phase can help determine when the moon will rise or set where you are. NOAA website There is also a customizable moon table that shows the exact moonrise and moonset times based on your location.
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Check the weather forecast.. Make sure it's a clear, cloudless night. Sites like It's good to look at the stars can tell you if the weather forecast in your area is favorable for moon viewing.
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Prepare your equipment. While the supermoon eclipse will be visible to the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes can help enhance your viewing experience, according to NASAIt is best to choose binoculars with a minimum magnification of 7. Although 10 or 15x magnification will provide more detail, you may need a tripod to secure it.
📸 What does a super harvest moon look like?
Here's what skywatchers can expect to see during tomorrow night's super harvest moon.