Stargazers on September 17, 2024, are gearing up for not just one, but three mesmerizing celestial events: the full harvest moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse. This spectacular celestial trio promises to light up the night sky and offer viewers across many regions—including North America, parts of Europe, and Asia—a chance to appreciate the beauty and wonder of astronomy.
The full moon, also dubbed the "harvest moon" due to its occurrence close to the autumn equinox, will officially reach its peak at 10:35 PM EDT. NASA notes this is also the brightest point, as the moon will appear full for about three days—starting from September 17 and lasting through September 19. Astrologer Kyle Thomas describes the significance of this lunar event as not only visually stunning but also deeply symbolic of the transition from summer to fall, summoning time for reflection and harvest.
So, what exactly happens during this rare cosmic event? The first thing to note is the nature of the lunar eclipse itself. Unlike total lunar eclipses, when the Earth’s shadow completely shrouds the moon—yielding the famous reddish hue known as the "blood moon"—a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the full moon dips partially behind the Earth’s shadow. This phenomenon means the moon will darken subtly, potentially giving the illusion of having taken "a bite out of it."
According to NASA, the eclipse will commence at 8:41 PM EDT (00:41 UTC on September 18). Observers will notice the moon beginning to move through Earth’s penumbral shadow, leading up to the partial eclipse, which will start at 10:12 PM. The excitement will lead to the maximum eclipse phase at 10:44 PM EDT, where approximately eight percent of the moon will remain obscured. By 11:16 PM EDT, the full shadow will exit the moon, concluding the spectacle by 12:47 AM EDT the next morning.
This lunar display is not only the last supermoon of the year but is intensified by its being the closest full moon to the autumn equinox, falling on September 22. The term "supermoon" refers to the moon appearing larger and brighter as it's at or near the closest point to Earth in its orbit—around 220,000 miles away during this occurrence. It's said to create an optical illusion, making it appear more magnificent as it rises low on the horizon.
Why is it called the harvest moon? Traditional wisdom informs us of its utility for farmers. This full moon typically rises soon after sunset during the harvest season, providing additional evening light for farmers to gather crops fated for harvest. The Old Farmer's Almanac notes this period as very significant for agricultural societies; it is literally life-changing when crops are gathered before the first frost hits.
Each full moon carries astrological significance, and this harvest moon sits elegantly within the sign of Pisces. 2024's combination places great emphasis on emotional awareness and intuition. Astrologers advise using this moon to manifest dreams or rethink one's aspirations. Though it's traditionally cautioned against setting intentions during eclipses because they can exacerbate chaotic energies, this moon's unique character encourages introspection and clarity.
For those planning to view the eclipse, conditions are expected to be favorable. Across regions like North Texas, prevailing weather reports anticipate clear skies. Enthusiasts can appreciate the moon's transformation from various locations throughout the United States as well as Europe and parts of Asia. To maximize the viewing experience, NASA recommends finding darker areas away from city lights, equipping oneself with binoculars, and being aware of the specific timings for different locales. For example, the display will commence at 7:41 PM CDT for Texas viewers, and those timing their viewing around maximum darkness will be captivated around 9:44 PM CDT.
This evening promises to combine science, spectacle, and tradition—a moment where nature beckons to humanity as the moon’s glow illuminates the night sky, inviting contemplation on the cycles of life, harvest, and the universe itself. Each eclipse reminds us of our position within the cosmos and provides yet another reason to look up and wonder.
