The night sky this September is set to enchant stargazers and casual viewers alike, as September's full moon promises not just stunning visual beauty but also astronomical significance. This year's full moon, occurring on the evening of September 17, stands out as both a supermoon and hosts a partial lunar eclipse, offering a rare chance for sky enthusiasts to witness two celestial events at once.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns with its closest approach to Earth, called perigee. This alignment enhances the moon’s size and brightness, making it appear roughly 30% brighter and 14% larger than its usual glow. Space.com noted, "The partial lunar eclipse will be visible from most of North America, all of South America, Europe, and much of Africa and Asia." This significant visibility allows many to enjoy the spectacle with minimal preparation.
This September's moon is affectionately called the “Harvest Moon.” Traditionally, the Harvest Moon is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, which provides farmers with additional evening light to harvest their crops right before the frosts begin. Laborers across the United States rely on the moonlit nights for harvesting crops like corn, which is harvested late summer through early fall.
Interestingly, the full moon rises at nearly the same time on several consecutive nights, maximizing its utility for those needing extended work hours under the moonlight. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it’s this yearly lunar event, which has been honored by various Native American tribes and European settlers, which makes it such a celebrated occurrence.
This month, viewers will gain another exciting spectacle: the partial lunar eclipse paired with the Harvest Moon. During this eclipse, Earth's shadow will cast its dimming effect over the moon, giving it possible reddish or orange hues, especially when the sky is clear of clouds and dust. Some may wonder why the moon takes on this different color. NASA explains it's due to the angle of sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere—colors with shorter wavelengths scatter away, leaving reds and oranges to brightly shine on the lunar surface. The resulting darkening will peak when 9% of the full moon's surface becomes obscured at 10:44 PM on September 17, 2024.
For those wanting to catch the action, the moon will reach its fullest state around 10:34 PM. The combination of the Harvest Moon’s harvest-themed history and the scientific marvel of the eclipse creates synchronicity—a celestial dance above the earth. Many people see this as the cosmos working hilariously, allowing nature and science to weave together at twilight.
To get the best view of the Harvest Moon and the eclipse, clear skies are always optimal. While these events can be observed without any specialized equipment, using telescopes or binoculars can offer more detailed views. Tim Brothers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's observatory manager, emphasizes the clarity experienced when these tools are used.
Skywatchers are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for this spectacular evening. The moon, traditionally seen as the planetary muse throughout history—from ancient mythologies to modern icons—finds its splendor again, connecting us through cultural and scientific significance.
When considering our cosmic neighbors, it's fascinating to note the specific dates for this month's lunar cycles: the new moon on September 3, the first quarter on September 11, and the last quarter on September 24, marking the complete lunar orchestra for the month.
This September's celestial phenomena not only provide aesthetic delight but also remind us of the ancient tools agriculture once used and the contemporary delights modern technology brings to our gaze. Besides, stargazing isn’t just for astronomers; it’s for anyone who enjoys wonder and awe right under the open sky!
Mark the evenings of September 17 on your calendar, gather with friends or family, and take your eyes to the heavens; they won’t be disappointed.
