Upcoming Harvest Supermoon and Lunar Eclipse: A Celestial Event to Witness

As temperatures begin to cool, a notable celestial event approaches to herald the early days of autumn. This year’s Harvest Moon, also a supermoon, is set to illuminate the night sky. According to NASA, the moon will appear fully illuminated for approximately three days, from Monday evening to Thursday morning, offering a splendid astronomical display.

The full moon will reach its zenith on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at around 10:35 p.m. EDT. Known as the Harvest Moon, this full moon arrives closest to the autumnal equinox, marking the end of the harvest season for many summer crops.

This year, the Harvest Moon is especially significant as it coincides with the supermoon phenomenon. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point, or perigee, to Earth in its orbit. This results in the moon appearing larger and brighter than usual. Notably, 2024 will feature a series of four consecutive supermoons, a rare occurrence due to the variations in the moon’s orbital path around Earth.

A special feature of this event is the partial lunar eclipse, visible on the night of September 17, shortly after the full moon reaches its peak. This celestial occurrence provides an opportunity to see the top eight percent of the moon shrouded in Earth’s shadow. However, enthusiasts will have to wait until March 14, 2025, for the next total lunar eclipse visible from the Americas.

Full moons have long held significance across cultures, often being named based on seasonal events. In North America, names for the full moons generally stem from Indigenous tribes. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac, dating back to the 1930s, helped popularize these names by reporting those used by the Algonquin tribes.