A rare Super Harvest Moon is expected to illuminate the sky in 2024, providing a dazzling spectacle for stargazers. The Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, is always a sight to behold, weather permitting. This year, the Harvest Moon will also be a supermoon, which is the second of four in a row at the end of 2024. Additionally, it will undergo a partial lunar eclipse, adding to its celestial allure.
Traditionally, the Harvest Moon is named for its proximity to the harvesting season and is known for its consecutive days of luminosity that aided farmers in collecting crops. While some may perceive the moon to appear larger during this time, it is actually an optical illusion that makes it seem bigger when it is closer to the horizon. The sun setting almost due west at the time of the Harvest Moon’s rise causes it to have a deep red hue when low on the horizon due to the earth’s atmosphere. The Harvest Moon is scheduled to rise at 7.28pm on Wednesday, September 18.
This Harvest Moon will also mark the second supermoon of 2024, following the one in August. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon being at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, resulting in a particularly bright appearance. The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is expected in the early hours of September 18, during which a portion of the Moon’s surface will be covered by Earth’s shadow. In the UK, the best time to witness the lunar eclipse will be between 1:41 am and 5:47 am.
These astronomical events offer a unique opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and newcomers to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. The brightness of the supermoon is sure to captivate viewers and inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity. As the partial lunar eclipse unfolds, observers in the UK will have a chance to witness a mesmerising natural phenomenon that adds to the celestial spectacle of the Harvest Moon in 2024.