Partial Lunar Eclipse and Harvest Supermoon Set to Dazzle California Skies

Partial Lunar Eclipse and Harvest Supermoon Set to Dazzle California SkiesPhoto byshutterstock

Southern California residents are in for a memorable night of skywatching as the Super Harvest Moon and a partial lunar eclipse align on the evenings of September 17-18, 2024. The Super Harvest Moon, known for its brilliant appearance, will be visible just as the eclipse begins, offering a rare treat for sky enthusiasts.

For Southern California, the moon will rise around 6:50 p.m. on September 17, and the partial lunar eclipse will start shortly after at 7:12 p.m. The eclipse will peak at 7:44 p.m. and end by 8:15 p.m. While those in Northern California will see slightly later moonrise times, the eclipse will follow a similar schedule​ (Space.com).

This Super Harvest Moon is part of a series of four supermoons in 2024. A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear 14% larger and 16% brighter than usual. The next supermoons will occur on October 17 and November 15​ (NASA Science).

The partial lunar eclipse will darken a portion of the moon’s surface, creating a stunning “bite” effect. About 3.5% of the moon’s surface will be shadowed during the eclipse, making it a visual highlight for those watching from Earth​ (Space.com)​(NASA Science).

Why This Matters:
This rare combination of a supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event, offering an exciting chance for stargazers and amateur astronomers to observe a unique celestial alignment.

Clarification:

• Ideal viewing conditions depend on weather, so check your local forecasts.
• Moonrise times may vary slightly depending on your specific location within Southern California.

🌟 Discover More! 🌟
Dive into a world of horoscopes, news, and endless information at GNOMI.