September 17 – September 18
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary full moon in September! The full moon this month will be a Super Harvest Blood Moon.
This is a rare opportunity to witness the conjunction of three significant celestial events: the Harvest Moon, the Supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse.
Bloody Harvest Super Moon? 🌕
On the night of September 17-18, 2024, stargazers will be treated to a remarkable celestial event: a Super Harvest Blood Moon.
This full moon will be a significant spectacle, as it is the second of four supermoons in 2024 and will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse.
What is a Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox, providing farmers with extra light to help bring in their crops.
While there is a Harvest Moon every year, having it so close to the equinox, especially on September 22, is a delightful rarity.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit when it is closest to Earth.
This proximity makes the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, creating a stunning visual effect.
Why the Blood Moon?
A blood moon only occurs during a lunar eclipse when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly.
During this alignment, Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, allowing only red wavelengths to pass through, thus giving the moon a reddish hue.
For September’s full moon, a partial lunar eclipse will provide the moon with a slight “bloody” tint.
What to Look For:
Look for the bright, round supermoon rising in the east at sunset on September 17. It will reach its highest point in the sky near midnight before setting low in the west by sunrise on September 18.
Positioned in front of the constellation Pisces and near the golden planet Saturn, this exceptional moon will be a sight to behold.
Be sure to mark your calendars!
