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A rare astronomical event unfolded on September 17–18, 2024, when a partial lunar eclipse coincided with the Super Harvest Moon. The spectacle was visible across large parts of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and the world’s oceans, drawing attention from professional astronomers and casual stargazers alike.
The eclipse lasted just over four hours, offering millions of people a chance to see the Moon partially darkened as Earth’s shadow moved across its surface.
Timing and Visibility
The eclipse began at 8:41 p.m. EDT on September 17, reached its maximum phase at 10:44 p.m. EDT, and ended at 12:47 a.m. EDT on September 18. At its peak, about a quarter of the Moon’s surface appeared darker as it passed through Earth’s umbra. The long duration and widespread visibility made it one of the most-watched lunar events of the year.
What Made It Special?
This eclipse stood out because it coincided with the Harvest Moon and a Supermoon. The Harvest Moon is the full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox, providing brighter evenings that historically helped farmers bring in crops.
A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than average. The combination of these events with an eclipse made for an especially striking night sky.
Observers also noted the Moon’s distinct orange hue, caused by its lower position in the sky during autumn and Earth’s atmosphere scattering shorter wavelengths of light.
Understanding Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Eclipses only occur during full moons. There are three main types:
- Total lunar eclipse: the entire Moon is covered by Earth’s shadow.
- Partial lunar eclipse: only part of the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow.
- Penumbral lunar eclipse: the Moon passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow, often subtle and difficult to see.
The most recent lunar eclipse before this one occurred on March 25, 2024, and was penumbral in nature.
How to Watch and Capture an Eclipse?
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye. Using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view, allowing observers to see lunar craters and details more clearly. Many astronomy enthusiasts also took the chance to photograph the event.
To capture sharp images, experts recommend using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, mounted on a sturdy tripod. Adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed can bring out different details, while a remote shutter or timer helps reduce camera shake.
The September 2024 eclipse was the year’s last significant lunar eclipse, but more are on the horizon. According to astronomers, a total lunar eclipse is expected in March 2025, visible across parts of North and South America, Europe, and Africa. For those who missed this Super Harvest Moon eclipse, the coming year will provide another opportunity to witness one of nature’s most dramatic night-sky displays.
Refer to our Full Moon Calendar for more!
