Readers Share Photos of Harvest Supermoon Eclipse

Update by the edhat staff
September 18, 2024

Edhat readers share their photos of Tuesday’s supermoon, called the “Harvest Moon.”

Stargazer Ron writes, Although there was a partial eclipse early in the evening on Tuesday, September 17, it was not impressive as it did not darken that much. Later in the evening, however, the Harvest Moon supermoon shone brightly as presented here. Now get ready for the autumn equinox on Sunday, September 22.”

Reader Alicia Martinez captured video of the small shadow eclipse. See it below.

Harvest moon with a partial eclipse on September 17, 2024 seen in Santa Barbara (Video by Alicia Martinez)

Harvest Supermoon Eclipse to Take Place Tuesday Evening

By the edhat staff
September 17, 2024

Skywatchers in the U.S. are in for a celestial treat Tuesday night as a Harvest supermoon eclipse is set to grace the night skies. Santa Barbara may get the chance to witness a very special lunar event when September’s full moon rises on Tuesday at 7:34 p.m.

This isn’t just any full moon—it’s a supermoon and also this year’s Harvest Moon, occurring in harmony with a partial lunar eclipse. Indeed, this lunar trifecta promises a night of exceptional sky gazing.

What Makes This Supermoon Special

The supermoon – the first of four expected this year – will appear approximately 30% brighter than average, creating a luminous spectacle in the night sky. It happens when a full moon aligns with a point in its elliptical orbit that is particularly close to Earth. Though not physically bigger, the supermoon may seem larger to the naked eye. This proximity will place the moon nearly about 222,000 miles away from Earth, with the following supermoon set to occur in October.

Harvest Moon’s Age-Old Significance

The Harvest Moon, an annual occurrence, happens once a year around the September or October full moon—whichever falls closer to the autumnal equinox. With the equinox scheduled for September 22 this year, the Harvest Moon arrives just in time. Historically, before the advent of electricity, farmers depended on the bright moonlight to harvest their crops late into the autumn nights. This month’s moon is also known as the Corn Moon among Native American tribes and termed the Fruit or Barley Moon in Europe based on the seasonal crops.

Partial Lunar Eclipse Details

Alongside these phenomena, a partial lunar eclipse will unfold when the Earth casts its shadow on the moon. This eclipse is set to enthrall not only North America but also viewers across South America, Africa, and Europe. Locally, observers should look for a subtle shading as only a sliver of the moon will seem to have a piece missing at the eclipse’s peak time.

Viewing Tips for the Eclipse

For the best chance to catch the eclipse, ensure an unobstructed eastern view as the moon will be near the horizon during the event. The penumbral phase begins at 5:41 p.m., with subtle dimming, and the umbral phase, where a noticeable shadow becomes apparent, will start at 7:12 p.m.

Maximum eclipse for Southern California, albeit at a minimal .085 magnitude out of 1, occurs at 7:44 p.m. The entire experience will continue until 9:47 p.m.

Worry not about special glasses; unlike solar eclipses, lunar ones require no protective eyewear and can be safely enjoyed with the naked eye.

For those who miss it, the next opportunity to see a lunar eclipse from North America will not come until March 13, 2025.

So, set your reminders, and hope for clear skies as this lunar event promises to be a delightful addition to the night’s canvas, no special equipment needed.