Supermoon and Partial Lunar Eclipse to Dazzle Night Sky

September 17, 2024 — Tonight, skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as a supermoon aligns with a partial lunar eclipse, creating a spectacular cosmic event. According to NASA, a supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This rare convergence will be further enhanced by a partial lunar eclipse, which occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface, as reported by Fox Weather.

The eclipse is expected to reach its peak at 10:44 p.m. EDT, at which point approximately eight percent of the Moon will be obscured by Earth’s shadow. NASA explains that while a small section at the top of the Moon’s disk will be darkened, most of the lunar surface will be bathed in Earth’s penumbra—the lighter part of the shadow that allows some sunlight to filter through.

This partial eclipse will give the Moon a striking reddish tint, often referred to as a “blood moon,” adding an eerie glow to the night sky.

Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

For those hoping to witness the event, there’s good news: unlike solar eclipses, no special eyewear is needed to view a lunar eclipse, as the brightness is comparable to regular moonlight. However, for a more detailed observation, using a telescope or binoculars can reveal the contrast between the Moon’s craters and other surface features.

This cosmic event will be visible across North and South America, with some visibility in Europe and Africa as well. However, viewers in the US may face challenges due to cloud cover, particularly on the East Coast, in the Plains region, and the Pacific Northwest.

Set your alarms for a night of lunar wonder and prepare for a celestial show like no other!