As summer winds down and the cool air of fall approaches, September’s night sky is set to put on a magnificent display. This year’s “Harvest Moon” is not just any full moon—it’s a supermoon, which means it will appear larger and brighter than usual. According to NASA, the moon will remain full for about three days, starting Monday evening and lasting until Thursday morning, offering plenty of time for stargazers to take in its beauty. On top of that, a partial lunar eclipse will make this event even more exciting. Here’s everything you need to know about this cosmic occurrence.
What is the Harvest Moon?- Eclipse September 2024
The full moon of September is known as the “Harvest Moon,” a name that originates from its close timing with the autumnal equinox, which falls on September 22 this year. Traditionally, the light from the Harvest Moon helped farmers work late into the night to gather the last of their summer crops. The extra bright moon provided essential illumination, allowing for extended harvest periods, hence the name.
Why is This Harvest Moon a Supermoon?
This year’s Harvest Moon is special because it’s also a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. When a full moon coincides with perigee, the moon appears larger and more luminous in the sky. In 2024, we are fortunate to experience four consecutive supermoons, with September being the second in the series. The closest supermoon of the year will happen in October, when the moon will appear even bigger and brighter.
The Best Time to View the Supermoon and Partial Eclipse
The full moon will reach its peak brightness on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, around 10:35 p.m. EDT. However, the spectacle doesn’t end there. On the same night, viewers will also get to witness a partial lunar eclipse, when about 8% of the moon will fall into Earth’s shadow. This will occur shortly after the full moon’s peak, at around 10:44 p.m. EDT, giving viewers another celestial wonder to behold. If you miss this partial eclipse, don’t worry—the next total lunar eclipse visible from the Americas is set for March 14, 2025.
Names of Full Moons Throughout the Year
Every full moon has a unique name, with each month’s full moon traditionally taking its title from Indigenous peoples, often based on natural cycles or agricultural practices. These names were first popularized in the 1930s by the Maine Farmers’ Almanac. Here’s a look at upcoming full moons in 2024:
- September 17: Harvest Moon
- October 17: Hunter’s Moon
- November 15: Beaver Moon
- December 15: Cold Moon
FAQ About the Full Moon and Supermoon
What is a full moon?
A full moon occurs when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun, appearing as a bright, round disk in the sky. This happens roughly every 29.5 days as the moon orbits Earth.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon takes place when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. As a result, the moon appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, historically providing extra light to help farmers harvest late into the night during the fall season.
When can I see the partial lunar eclipse?
The partial lunar eclipse will be visible on Tuesday, September 17, just after the peak of the full moon at around 10:44 p.m. EDT. About 8% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s shadow during this event.
How many supermoons will there be in 2024?
There will be four supermoons in 2024. The first occurred in August, with the next three falling in September, October, and November.
This year’s Harvest Moon promises to be an awe-inspiring event, enhanced by its supermoon status and the added feature of a partial lunar eclipse. Make sure to look up and take in this celestial spectacle!