September 17 Full Moon Day: Rare coincidence of partial lunar eclipse with supermoon to affect skies, check India timing
On the night of 17 September 2024, stargazers worldwide will see a fantastic display in the night sky-a partial lunar eclipse that just so happens to fall on the night of the Full Harvest Moon, or the “supermoon.” The confluence of these two events will make for a spectacular sight, if you happen to be in the path of totality. Read more to learn about the astronomical event expected at the end of September 2024.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth falls between the Sun and the Moon. Daily India News Blog Consequently, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. The partiality in this instance implies that the eclipse will witness a portion of the Moon pass through Earth’s darkest shadow, called umbra. When this takes place, observers will observe a bite taken out of the Moon as nearly 8% of it goes hidden.
This partial lunar eclipse will start at 7:42 IST, peak at 8:14 IST, and end at 8:45 IST. Altogether, the whole event will take about 4 hours and 6 minutes with the partial phase lasting approximately an hour and 3 minutes. This is also a supermoon because it occurs when the moon is on its perigee closest side of its orbit around Earth. This close proximity would mean that this moon will appear larger and shine brighter than a regular moon, making the experience of any observer visually more spectacular.
What is the Harvest Moon ?
It is the Moon of harvest in many of the North, as this is a time when it usually occurs shortly after harvesting. Daily India News Blog This moon was greatly cherished by the farmers because it provided them with extra lighting for their nighttime harvests. And to make things even more historically tremendous and exciting to the eyes of a sky watcher, it is a supermoon combined with a lunar eclipse.
Visibility and Viewing Conditions
This falls in North America, Europe, Africa, parts of South America, and Antarctica, but it won’t be visible in India. It is because the partial lunar eclipse will occur when daylight prevails in India. Observers there can’t see it, as the Moon is below their horizon.
Those in regions where clear observation is possible may witness these events under other local weather conditions. Clear skies would be most optimal for observing such events while cloudy conditions may reduce views in some locations.
Astrological Inference
On astrological grounds, the full moon with a partial lunar eclipse connotes much meaning. It is often a time of reflection and appreciation for the abundance that the Harvest Moon period brings. With the combination of Saturn and more planets aligning themselves with this event, people feel encouraged to initiate personal transformations or reflect on relationships and aspirations they would wish to nourish moving forward.
This period, according to the astrologers, calls for embracing one’s feelings and self-reflection. This can be a period of letting go of something old and embracing something new.
Astronomical Events to Watch Out for those who do not get a chance to see it, there is another spectacular occurrence in the sky. The total lunar eclipse is forecast to happen on March 14, 2025, and parts of North America, among others, might view it. And as if that is not enough, another supermoon will arrive October 17, 2024.
Conclusion
KreativanSays that the a lovely opportunity the space sky throws open to its sky-gazers across the world-a partial lunar eclipse combined with a supermoon on September 17. However, India is not going to catch a glimpse of the same, as the moon is yet to rise when the eclipse starts. Nonetheless, experts are certainly looking forward to brighter skies in the near future that promise to captivate the imagination of audiences across the globe.
Whether one is an astronomer who sleeps and eats the starry sky or simply someone who sits outside appreciating the night sky, events like these remind us of the connection to the universe and offer moments outside of mundane life that bring wonder to it. Let us appreciate not only what we see above us but how such celestial events inspire curiosity and exploration in all of us as we prepare for this occurrence unique to our lifetime.