The night sky will be particularly enchanting on September 17, 2024, when stargazers get the rare opportunity to witness not just one, but three mesmerizing celestial events: the Harvest Moon, the occurrence of a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse. This cosmic trifecta promises to light up the dark sky and draw the gaze of enthusiasts and casual watchers alike.
The full moon, which rises to its fullest on this night, will also be at its nearest point to Earth, at about 222,000 miles away. This proximity makes the moon appear especially large and bright, creating what’s known as a supermoon. Supermoons are not particularly rare; they happen about three to four times each year. Still, combining one with the Harvest Moon—a title bestowed upon the full moon closest to the autumn equinox—creates something special.
The Harvest Moon traditionally serves as a beacon for farmers, illuminating the sky to aid late-night harvesting as summer crops are gathered. Its warm, reddish hue is not just beautiful to behold, but historically significant, filling the night with soft light before the winter months set in. This year, as the moon rises, it will don this warm glow just as the partial eclipse begins.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow casts over the moon, temporarily obscuring its light. Unlike solar eclipses, which require special eye protection, lunar eclipses can be viewed safely with the naked eye. During this event, observers will notice the moon gradually darken as Earth’s shadow creeps across its surface, appearing as though someone took a bite out of it.
The eclipse itself will start at 7:41 PM Central Time, but notable changes won't become apparent until 9:13 PM, when the Earth's shadow will begin to engulf the top edge of the moon. The peak of the eclipse will occur at 9:44 PM and will conclude by 11:47 PM. For those who are anxious about the weather, forecasts suggest conditions may be slightly cloudy across portions of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, but overall visibility will likely be sufficient for most areas, allowing everyone the chance to enjoy this cosmic highlight.
According to NASA, the unique conjunction of events this September is considered "quite rare," making it all the more worthwhile for observers to prepare for the night. Astrophysicist Teresa Monsue from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center explained how rare alignments like these resonate with enthusiasts. "It’s exciting when all the events align together for something like this. The beauty of it is not just the show, but the chance to appreciate the connection between the Earth, Moon, and Sun again, if only for just one night."
For anyone hoping to catch the show, experts recommend finding a dark spot away from city lights, where the moon’s glow can be seen unimpeded. Using binoculars or telescopes will not only help viewers enjoy the visual spectacle but can also bring out details on the moon’s surface, especially craters and valleys. Interestingly, it’s suggested to take multiple peeks at the moon over the course of the evening, as the subtle changes might be difficult to catch all at once. KaChun Yu, curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, advised, "From one minute to the next, you might not see much happening, but over the hour, the changes will be remarkable. You’ll see how it slowly goes from the bright sphere to having parts darken imperceptibly."
While lunar events draw many to gaze at the skies, anticipation is also growing for upcoming eclipses. If you miss this one, don’t fret; the next partial lunar eclipse won’t take place again until March 2025, allowing ample time to mark the calendar. Also on the horizon are two additional supermoons set for October 17 and November 15 this year.
Throughout September and leading up to the 17th, many have made plans to congregate at local parks, rooftops, and observatories, all of which provide perfect vantage points for witnessing the night sky’s display. Local astronomy clubs are already preparing events, intending to lend telescopes and educated volunteers to help guide observers through the experience.
Social media, too, buzzes with excitement; many are sharing tips on how to make the most of viewing the phenomenon. Sharing photographs of the view is proving to be just as important, as pictures can capture the fleeting moments of the eclipse more effectively than the naked eye can. For photographers, using manual settings on cameras can yield stunning results, showcasing the vibrant colors and changes as they appear against the backdrop of the night sky.
While many people appreciate the spectacular sight of the moon and the magic of celestial events, not all are able to witness them directly. Thankfully, NASA plans to live stream the eclipse for those who cannot be outside during the event. With technology making the event accessible to millions across the globe, it signifies the uniting nature of celestial wonders.
This harmonic convergence of natural phenomena encourages both scientific interest and artistic inspiration. Beyond being mere spectacles, they serve as reminders of humanity's place within this vast universe. So, whether you're gathering with friends, venturing out alone, or viewing it virtually, let this celestial event inspire wonder and reverence as the moon takes center stage once again tonight.
