'Harvest Moon' to shine with partial eclipse on 17 September: How to watch the spectacular event

Harvest Moon (Image: Canva)

Stargazers will witness a captivating celestial event this Tuesday, 17 September. The full Harvest Moon will rise, partially eclipsed by Earth. Observers in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa will enjoy the best views, with Saturn visible near the moon throughout the event..

September’s full moon, known as the Harvest Moon in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the end of summer. Traditionally, it provided extra light for farmers to harvest crops. This moon is also a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter because it is closer to Earth.

When and How to Watch it

This supermoon is the second of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, following August's blue supermoon. The moon will officially be full at 10:34 p.m. EDT, just before the partial eclipse begins.

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During the eclipse, the moon will first enter Earth’s penumbra, its faint outer shadow. This penumbral phase will occur between 8:41 p.m. and 10:13 p.m. EDT, causing the moon to dim gradually. Then, the moon will move into Earth's umbra, the darker inner shadow. This partial eclipse, where 8.4% of the moon’s surface will be shadowed, will peak at 10:44 p.m. EDT.

After the peak, the moon will start emerging from the umbra, with the final penumbral phase ending between 11:15 p.m. and 12:47 a.m. EDT. Enjoy this unique astronomical event and keep an eye out for Saturn’s glow nearby!