Super Harvest Moon lunar eclipse visible tonight, September 17

Partial lunar eclipse will be a spectacular sight, with the moon appearing slightly larger
An updated image of phases of the Moon for September 2024. — NASA/JPL
An updated image of phases of the Moon for September 2024. — NASA/JPL 

A Super Harvest Moon is going appear on skies today, on September 17. The star gazers would be going to witness a true astronomical spectacle, the partial lunar eclipse of the upcoming Super Harvest Moon. The sight would be visible for most of the North and South America, Europe, Africa, western Asia and parts of Antarctica.

What is Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align as if by accident, casting Earth's shadow on the moon. This partial eclipse partial lunar eclipse will be a spectacular sight, with the moon appearing slightly larger cover only 8.7% of the moon's surface with the darkest part of Earth's shadow.

Super Harvest Moon

It is the Super Harvest Moon, during which the moon appears a little larger due to its elliptical orbit, which in turn causes it to swing closer to Earth-this eclipse cannot be missed.

Eclipse timing:

  • Eclipse begins: 8:40pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (today, September 17).
  • Peak eclipse: 10:44pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (today, September 17).
  • Europe and Africa: Pre-dawn hours on Sept. 18.

What to expect from September 17 Super Harvest Moon

The partial lunar eclipse partial lunar eclipse will be a spectacular sight, with the moon appearing slightly larger be a spectacular sight, with the moon appearing slightly larger due to its proximity to Earth. 

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Although only 8.7% of the moon's surface partial lunar eclipse will be a spectacular sight, with the moon appearing slightly larger be covered, this event is a rare opportunity to witness the alignment of celestial bodies.

How to watch Super Harvest Moon?

If you cannot watch it live on the following timings mentioned above, do not worry! There are several free online livestreams of this stunning spectacle which would bring it directly to your computer screens, some of these websites are the Virtual Telescope Project and Adler Planetarium.

Tips for viewing Super Harvest Moon

  • Use telescopes or binoculars to spot craters and "seas" on the moon.
  • Follow good photography tips for capturing stunning moon images.
  • Choose a dark place to get a clear sight of the moon.