Don't miss the Harvest Moon Supermoon lunar eclipse tonight! Here's what to expect
**Partial Lunar Eclipse on September 17: What to Expect**
On the evening of September 17, a partial lunar eclipse will occur, casting a reddish-brown tint over the moon as Earth's shadow covers part of its surface.
**Where to See It:**
The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across much of the world, including most of North America, all of South America, Europe, most of Africa (except its easternmost parts), as well as western Asia, Russia, and portions of Antarctica.
**When to Watch:**
The timing depends on your location. You can use websites like Timeanddate.com to find precise eclipse timings for your area.
- For viewers in the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, the eclipse will reach its peak at around 10:44 p.m. EDT on September 17, when Earth's shadow will cover the moon most deeply.
- In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will occur in the early hours of September 18. For example, in London, the peak will be visible at approximately 3:45 a.m. BST.
**Can't Watch It Live?**
If you’re unable to view the eclipse in person, Space.com will stream the event online, offering a chance to witness the Super Harvest Moon as it unfolds.
**What Causes a Lunar Eclipse?**
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align in such a way that Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon. During this partial lunar eclipse, only part of the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, leaving a portion darkened while the rest takes on a reddish hue.
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About 3.5% of the moon's surface will be covered by Earth's umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), while the rest will appear slightly dimmed by the penumbral shadow, giving it a red-brown tint.
**A Special Supermoon Event**
This eclipse is particularly special because it coincides with a "supermoon"—when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. September's supermoon is the second of four in a row for 2024.
**Looking Ahead: Solar Eclipse Coming Soon**
Just two weeks after this lunar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse will take place on October 2, featuring the "ring of fire" effect visible over parts of the Pacific Ocean, Chile, and Argentina. Keep an eye on Space.com for livestream details and updates.
If you capture any great photos of the eclipse, Space.com is inviting submissions! Send your images and details to spacephotos@space.com.
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