Don’t Miss the Harvest Moon Supermoon Lunar Eclipse Tonight! Here’s What to Expect

Tonight, September 17, promises a spectacular celestial event: the Harvest Moon Supermoon lunar eclipse. This special event combines a supermoon with a partial lunar eclipse, creating a unique viewing opportunity.

What’s Happening Tonight?

On the evening of September 17, the full moon will appear larger and brighter than usual due to its proximity to Earth, making it a "supermoon." But that’s not all. A partial lunar eclipse will also take place, which will color part of the moon a reddish-brown as Earth’s shadow moves across its surface.

Viewing the Eclipse

The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across much of the world. From North America and South America to Europe, western Africa, and parts of Asia and Russia, many people will have the chance to see this event. If you’re in the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, the eclipse will reach its peak at about 10:44 p.m. EDT. In London, the best view will be around 3:45 a.m. BST on September 18.

To find out the exact timing for your location, you can use online tools like Timeanddate.com. If you can’t see the eclipse in person, don’t worry. Several livestreams will be available online, so you can still catch the action.

What Causes a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth, and moon align in such a way that Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon. This casts a shadow on the moon, creating the eclipse. In a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon is covered by Earth’s shadow, while the rest remains illuminated. The reddish-brown color you’ll see comes from the sunlight that passes through Earth’s atmosphere and then shines on the moon.

Why is This Eclipse Special?

This partial lunar eclipse is extra special because it coincides with a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon look slightly bigger and brighter than usual. Although the difference is subtle, it’s still a fascinating sight for skywatchers. In 2024, there will be four supermoons, one each in August, September, October, and November.

Looking Ahead

If you’re a fan of celestial events, mark your calendar for October 2. Just about two weeks after tonight’s lunar eclipse, Earth will experience an annular solar eclipse. Known as the "ring of fire" eclipse, this event will be visible in parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile, and southern Argentina. Keep an eye out for more information and livestreams on Space.com as the date approaches.

Share Your Photos

If you manage to capture a great shot of tonight’s lunar eclipse, Space.com would love to see it. You can send your photos, along with your name and location, to [email protected]. Your photo might even be featured on their site!

Join the Conversation

For more discussions on space and celestial events, consider joining Space.com’s forums. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just curious about the night sky, there’s a community ready to share in your excitement.

Enjoy the show tonight, and don’t miss this rare chance to witness the combined beauty of a supermoon and a lunar eclipse!

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just curious about the night sky, there’s a community ready to share in your excitement.

Enjoy the show tonight, and don’t miss this rare chance to witness the combined beauty of a supermoon and a lunar eclipse!

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