A stunning celestial event is set to unfold tonight as a partial lunar eclipse graces the night sky, offering a rare and mesmerizing sight for skywatchers around the world. The Harvest Moon Supermoon will be the star of the show, with part of Earth’s shadow passing over the lunar surface, creating a murky red glow that is sure to captivate observers.
The lunar eclipse is scheduled to reach its maximum phase at approximately 10:44 p.m. EDT on Sept. 17 for viewers in the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. For those in Europe and Africa, the eclipse will occur during the early morning hours of Sept. 18, with London expected to witness the peak of the eclipse around 3:44 a.m. BST on Sept. 18. The exact timings of the eclipse phases will vary depending on your location, so using resources like Timeanddate.com can help you pinpoint the best viewing times in your area.
For those unable to witness the lunar eclipse in person, there are several livestreams available online at Space.com, allowing viewers to experience the event remotely. The partial lunar eclipse is expected to be visible across a large portion of the globe, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, western Asia, Russia, and parts of Antarctica. With over 50% of the world’s population having the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, it promises to be a truly awe-inspiring event for many.
The partial eclipse phase is projected to last approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes, while the entire duration of the lunar eclipse, encompassing all phases, will span 4 hours and 5 minutes. The different timings of the maximum eclipse across various cities highlight the global nature of this celestial phenomenon, offering a unique viewing experience for people around the world.
### What to Expect
During a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon enters Earth’s shadow, resulting in a distinctive “bite” taken out of the lunar surface. This shadow darkens the moon’s side facing Earth, creating a reddish-brown hue as sunlight filters through Earth’s lighter shadow, casting an enchanting glow over the moon. The alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon determines the size and shape of this shadowy “bite,” adding to the visual spectacle of the event.
Approximately 3.5% of the moon’s visible surface is expected to be covered by Earth’s darkest shadow, the umbra, during the partial lunar eclipse. As the shadow passes over the moon, observers can marvel at the unique interplay of light and shadow, creating a breathtaking display in the night sky.
### Top Photography Tips
Capturing the beauty of the lunar eclipse through photography requires careful planning and preparation. Before heading out to photograph the event, ensure your equipment is clean, packed, and ready for use. Utilizing tools like PhotoPills can help you determine the moon’s position in the sky during the eclipse, enhancing your chances of capturing the perfect shot.
Monitoring the weather forecast is crucial, as cloud cover can impact the visibility of the eclipse and the quality of your photographs. Having multiple shooting locations in mind can help you adapt to changing weather conditions and optimize your chances of capturing stunning images of the lunar eclipse.
Photographing the moon during a lunar eclipse offers a unique opportunity to showcase the moon’s features in a different light. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a novice enthusiast, our guides on how to photograph a lunar eclipse and a supermoon can provide valuable tips and insights to enhance your photography skills.
### Join the Celestial Celebration
As the Harvest Moon Supermoon graces the night sky with its partial lunar eclipse, skywatchers around the world are invited to join the celestial celebration and witness this extraordinary event firsthand. Whether observing the eclipse in person or following it online, the beauty and wonder of the lunar eclipse are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.
As the moon takes center stage in the night sky, casting its ethereal glow over Earth, the magic of the celestial dance between sun, moon, and Earth unfolds before our eyes. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the beauty of the Harvest Moon Supermoon lunar eclipse, a spectacular event that reminds us of the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe.
