A rare celestial event, the harvest supermoon eclipse, graced the skies across the UK last night, offering stargazers a mesmerising sight. This month’s full moon, also known as the Harvest moon, marked the second of four “supermoons” in 2024. Supermoons occur when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, making it appear brighter and larger in the night sky. The phenomenon was visible worldwide on Tuesday night, with the full harvest supermoon rising at approximately 7.15pm BST and reaching its peak during a partial eclipse at around 3:45am.
For those who missed the spectacle, there is another chance to witness the supermoon on Wednesday evening as it is poised to rise at 7.28pm. The Met Office shared in a tweet that viewing conditions are expected to be excellent with mostly clear skies. Additionally, there will be two more opportunities to view supermoons in October and November for those who are unable to catch the September event.
Photographs captured the beauty of the supermoon phenomenon across the globe, showcasing its larger and brighter appearance as it graced the night sky. From Cardiff to Istanbul to New York City, the supermoon’s splendour captivated sky-watchers. The rare event brought a sense of awe and wonder to observers as they marvelled at the natural beauty of the universe.
As the supermoon made its majestic appearance, it offered a moment of connection with the cosmos, reminding us of the wonders of the universe that surround us. The celestial display serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and mystery that lie beyond our earthly realm, inviting us to look up and contemplate the vastness of the night sky.