On Tuesday night, skywatchers will have the chance to witness a rare alignment of three celestial phenomena during the full moon. This event will feature a harvest moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse, occurring simultaneously.
Following the blue supermoon of the previous month, this harvest moon not only marks the transition into fall but also stands out due to its accompanying supermoon and blood moon. Astrophysicist Teresa Monsue from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center noted that such a combination is quite unusual.
A moon is classified as “super” when it reaches its full stage while positioned at its closest point to Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is positioned between the full moon and the sun, causing the moon to move through Earth’s shadow.
The lunar eclipse is expected to peak at 10:44 p.m. ET, with visibility varying depending on location. North and South America will have optimal viewing conditions for the partial lunar eclipse and the harvest supermoon, weather permitting. Europe and Africa are expected to have the opportunity to observe the eclipse as well.
In this partial lunar eclipse, the upper part of the moon will enter the darkest region of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Monsue explained that aside from the small shaded area, most of the moon will be illuminated by Earth’s penumbra, lending it a reddish-brown hue, often referred to as a “blood moon.”
Unlike a solar eclipse requiring special eyewear for safe observation, viewers can easily enjoy the lunar eclipse without protection. Monsue reassured that it’s safe to gaze at the moon during a lunar eclipse since it reflects light similar to regular moonlight.
For enthusiasts looking to observe the fine details, such as craters and lunar features, using a telescope or binoculars during the eclipse can enhance the experience.
If you miss this week’s lunar eclipse and supermoon, the next occurrence will not be until October 8, 2033. However, another full supermoon will appear on October 17, and a total lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 14, 2025. Additionally, an annular solar eclipse, often called a “ring of fire” eclipse, will take place on October 2, but only viewers in Hawaii are likely to see it.