On the night of September 17, enthusiasts of celestial events will be treated to a rare astronomical phenomenon as the Earth, sun, and moon align perfectly. This alignment will give rise to not just one, but three spectacular events – a harvest moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse, all occurring as the full moon ascends into the night sky. Depending on geographic location and local time zones, observers will have varying opportunities to witness this captivating display.

To ensure you’re well-prepared for this night of cosmic wonder, here’s what you should know about these unique events:

First Things First: What is a Full Moon?

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a full moon epitomizes the moment when the moon finds itself positioned exactly 180 degrees opposite the sun. During this period, the sun bathes our celestial companion in its light, offering a striking view to observers on Earth. This month, the full moon will reach its most illuminated peak on Tuesday, September 17, at 10:35 PM EDT, which translates to 02:35 GMT on Wednesday, September 18.

Typically, full moons rise just as the sun sets, providing a magnificent sight for those who look skyward. They gradually set around sunrise, creating a lasting impression across the night sky. The moon phase cycle includes eight distinct stages and oscillates every 29.5 days, meaning there’s always another full moon on the horizon.

What is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the full moon escapes into the Earth’s shadow, resulting in a dramatic spectacle. Throughout this eclipse, the shadow gradually encroaches upon the moon, creating an ever-changing visual tableau. However, unlike a total lunar eclipse, which obscures the entire moon in shadow, a partial lunar eclipse only slightly darkens part of it.

The commencement of the eclipse will occur at 8:41 PM EDT on Tuesday (00:41 GMT on Wednesday), when the moon first collides with the Earth’s lighter partial shadow. Observers might notice a gentle dimming initially, but the first major visual shift will take place at 10:13 PM EDT (02:13 GMT), when the upper edge of the moon enters the Earth’s deep shadow. This remarkable eclipse will peak at its darkest moment at 10:44 PM EDT (02:44 GMT), revealing only the top eight percent of the moon still bathed in light.

The transition out of the deep shadow will begin at 11:16 PM EDT (03:16 GMT), and by 12:47 AM EDT (04:47 GMT on Wednesday morning), the moon will completely exit the partial shadow, marking an end to this celestial show.

What is a Supermoon?

This month’s moon will also take on the title of a supermoon. A supermoon is characterized by a full moon that appears larger and brighter than its usual visage. This phenomenon occurs when the moon reaches its closest proximity to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. According to NASA, the term “supermoon” was first popularized by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, signifying when a full moon is “within 90 percent of its closest to Earth.”

At this phase, the Earth, moon, and sun align perfectly in a straight line. Conversely, at the other end of the spectrum lies the micromoon, where the full moon appears slightly smaller and less vibrant due to the moon being at its most distant point from Earth.

Is This Also a Harvest Moon?

The harvest moon refers to the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2023, the autumn equinox will fall on September 22 at 12:43 GMT. Yes, indeed, the moon on September 17 will also hold the title of a harvest moon.

The Farmer’s Almanac offers insightful information, noting that “this full moon rises at nearly the same time – around sunset – for several consecutive nights.” This phenomenon enhances the amount of bright moonlight available early in the evening, which has historically aided farmers in harvesting their summer-grown crops during this time of increased luminosity and visibility. This is precisely why it is referred to as the harvest moon.

Typically, the harvest moon exhibits beautiful shades of orange and red. When it appears closer to the horizon, this moon looks bigger and brighter due to an optical illusion that tricks the eye. Additionally, its colorful appearance stems from moonlight being filtered through a greater volume of the Earth’s atmosphere than when the moon is directly overhead.

So All Together, How Will Tuesday’s Event Unfold?

• The full moon is set to reach its peak at 10:35 PM EDT (Wednesday at 02:35 GMT), coinciding with the apex of its illumination.
• The peak darkness of the eclipse will occur at 10:44 PM EDT (02:44 GMT).

The entirety of the partial lunar eclipse will span an impressive four hours and six minutes from start to finish. For those situated in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, the eclipse will take on its darkest shade around 10:44 PM EDT on September 17. Conversely, European and African observers can enjoy this celestial performance during the early morning hours of September 18, with the eclipse being most pronounced around 3:44 AM BST in the United Kingdom.

For residents in the Gulf region, while the peak of the eclipse will elude them, they will still be able to witness the initial moments of the partial eclipse onset at 5:15 AM local time on Wednesday. A map below illustrates the countries that will have unobstructed views of the peak eclipse on Tuesday.

How to Watch the Lunar Eclipse and the Harvest Moon?

If your location aligns with the right time zone, you can enjoy the lunar eclipse without any special equipment, though finding a dark area will enhance the viewing experience significantly. NASA suggests that stargazers utilize binoculars with at least 7x magnification, with 10x to 15x magnification offering even greater detail. A tripod may be necessary for those using higher magnification in order to maintain a steady view.

In tandem with the wonders of astronomy, those curious about the legal implications or regulations surrounding astronomical events, such as public viewing rights or photography, can benefit from the AI legalese decoder. This innovative tool simplifies complex legal jargon into clear and concise language, helping individuals navigate any legal considerations related to hosting or attending public viewings of celestial events. Whether you are planning a gathering to observe the eclipse or are a photographer aiming to capture the beauty of the harvest moon, the AI legalese decoder can ensure you understand any legal implications in a straightforward manner.