Supermoon and Lunar Eclipse Delight Stargazers on September 18, 2024
On the supermoon, 2024, sky watchers were treated to a spectacular combination of a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse, a rare celestial event that brought joy to stargazers across the globe. The phenomenon, which made the moon appear larger and brighter than usual before gradually turning a striking reddish color, provided an unforgettable visual treat for anyone fortunate enough to witness it.
Supermoon
A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee. At perigee, the Moon appears around 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it’s farther away in its orbit. This makes the Moon appear unusually large in the sky, creating the optical illusion that it’s much closer to Earth than normal.
Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, causing it to take on a reddish color. This reddish tint occurs because Earth’s atmosphere scatters the shorter blue and green wavelengths of sunlight, allowing only the longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon, creating what’s often called a blood moon.
The Supermoon and Lunar Eclipse be Visible
On September 18, 2024, the rare combination of a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse will be visible to a wide portion of the world, offering many stargazers a chance to witness this celestial event. However, the visibility of both the supermoon and the lunar eclipse depends on the location and time zone.
Supermoon Visibility
The supermoon, being a full moon at its closest point to Earth, will be visible from most parts of the world. Since it’s simply a full moon that appears larger and brighter, anyone with clear skies will be able to enjoy it. Whether you are in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, the supermoon will rise in the east around sunset and will stay visible throughout the night.
Lunar Eclipse Visibility
The total lunar eclipse has more specific regions where it can be seen in full. On September 18, 2024, the eclipse will be visible primarily in the following areas:
North America: Most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have a prime view of the lunar eclipse, with all stages of the eclipse visible, from the penumbral to the total eclipse. Stargazers in these regions will have the best vantage point to see the moon turn red as the eclipse reaches its peak.
South America: Central and eastern parts of South America will also get a good view of the eclipse, particularly during the early stages, though some regions may miss the final part of the event as the moon sets.
Western Europe: Parts of Western Europe, including countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Portugal, will be able to see the beginning of the lunar eclipse as the moon rises. However, the full eclipse might not be visible in these regions due to the timing of moonrise and the eclipse.
Africa: Some parts of Africa, especially in the west, will be able to witness the eclipse as the moon rises, but like Europe, the full event may not be visible.
Asia and Australia: Most of Asia and Australia will miss the majority of the lunar eclipse since the eclipse will take place during daylight hours when the moon is not visible.
Regions with Best Viewing Conditions
For the best view of both the supermoon and the full lunar eclipse, areas in North America will be ideal. Specifically, those living in the central and western parts of the U.S. and Canada will experience the entire eclipse, from start to finish, under a supermoon.
This special event unfolded over several hours on the night of September 18, 2024, allowing stargazers to enjoy both the brightness of the supermoon and the eerie beauty of the total lunar eclipse. Here are the key stages of the event:
- Supermoon Rise (7:30 PM): The supermoon made its appearance in the sky at 7:30 PM, and it was immediately noticeable due to its extra size and brightness. As the Moon rose higher, its enhanced luminosity was clear, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape.
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins (8:10 PM): The penumbral phase of the lunar eclipse started at 8:10 PM. During this phase, the outer, fainter part of Earth’s shadow (called the penumbra) began to lightly dim the moon’s surface, though the change was subtle and difficult to notice at first.
- Partial Eclipse Begins (9:15 PM): By 9:15 PM, the partial eclipse was underway. This stage saw the Earth’s inner shadow (the umbra) gradually covering the moon, making a distinct dark shadow move across the lunar surface, as if it was being slowly “eaten” away.
- Total Eclipse Begins (10:30 PM): The total lunar eclipse began at 10:30 PM, when the Moon was completely engulfed by Earth’s shadow. During this period, the Moon took on a stunning reddish-orange hue, the characteristic sign of a blood moon, as sunlight passed through Earth’s atmosphere and cast a coppery glow on the lunar surface.
- Maximum Eclipse (10:50 PM): The eclipse reached its peak at 10:50 PM, when the Moon was fully within Earth’s shadow, glowing deeply red. At this moment, the eclipse was at its most dramatic, providing a breathtaking view for observers worldwide.
- Total Eclipse Ends (11:20 PM): The total eclipse ended at 11:20 PM, as the Moon began to move out of the Earth’s shadow. As more of the Moon became illuminated by the Sun, the reddish color faded, and the Moon began returning to its brighter, normal state.
- Partial Eclipse Ends (12:30 AM): By 12:30 AM, the partial eclipse was over. The Earth’s shadow had completely left the Moon, and the supermoon reappeared in full glory, shining bright once again in the night sky.
- Supermoon’s Brilliance: The event concluded with the supermoon fully visible, still larger and more radiant than a typical full moon, until it gradually set later in the night.
A Rare and Memorable Event
The combination of a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse is a rare occurrence that happens only every few years. A supermoon occurs three to four times a year, but total lunar eclipses are less frequent, and having them coincide is even rarer. The event on September 18, 2024, was a special opportunity for stargazers to see both phenomena at the same time—a sight that won’t happen again for several more years.
The night of September 18, 2024, will be remembered as a spectacular moment for those lucky enough to witness the supermoon and lunar eclipse. The combination of the Moon’s increased size and brightness, along with the deep red hue of the eclipse, provided an awe-inspiring experience. As the Moon returned to its normal state, many stargazers were left with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of the cosmos.
