The ninth full moon of 2024 and one of the year’s most famous—the “Harvest Moon”—will be an exceptional full moon to get outside to witness at moonrise.
Set to dominate early evening skies this coming week as it rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west, this fourth and final of summer in the northern hemisphere will also drift into Earth’s shadow during a slight partial lunar eclipse.
It will also be the second—and second-biggest—“supermoon” full moon of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the “Super Harvest Moon Eclipse,” including exactly when, where and how to see it at its best from where you are:
When Is The ‘Super Harvest Moon Eclipse?’
Called the “Harvest Moon” because it’s the closest to the equinox on September 22; the name comes from the fact that it’s this full moon’s light that traditionally helped farm workers in the northern hemisphere gather crops late at night. The “Harvest Moon” will officially turn full at 10:34 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, September 17.
That is also close to the time of a slight partial lunar eclipse for the night side of Earth, including North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, will add to the spectacle and create an oddly dimly-lit full moon, which is rare to observe.
Best Time To See The Full ‘Super Harvest Moon Eclipse’
A full moon looks best when it appears on the eastern horizon just after the sun has set in the west. It will look more prominent than usual and be a beautiful, muted orange from North America since the local time of moonrise and the partial lunar eclipse coincide. The best time to view it will be a few minutes after moonrise where you are, though it depends on your location.
There are three nights in a row when the moonrise occurs close to sunset, as seen from Europe.
Tuesday, September 17 (the night of the partial lunar eclipse in North America)
- In New York, sunset is at 7:02 p.m. EDT, and moonrise is at 6:59 p.m. EDT.
- In Los Angeles, sunset and moonrise are at 6:57 p.m. PDT.
- In London, moonrise is at 7:07 p.m. BST, and sunset is at 7:34 p.m. BST (the partial lunar eclipse will be best seen from London around 3:12 a.m. BST on Wednesday, September 18)
Wednesday, September 18 (another moonrise close to sunset)
- In London, sunset is at 7:09 p.m. BST, and moonrise is at 7:20 p.m. BST.
Thursday, September 19 (another moonrise close to sunset)
- In London, sunset is at 7:07 p.m. BST, and moonrise is at 7:34 p.m. BST.
When To See The Lunar Eclipse
If you want to watch the lunar surface gradually lose its light, then have its top corner draped in darkness, be outside between 10:12 and 11:15 p.m. EDT. It’s a specific moment, so it’s wise to get a schedule for your location on Timeanddate, whihc adjusts for timezones.
Only 8.4% of the moon will be eclipsed by the Earth’s umbral shadow, says NASA, but don’t underestimate the oddness of that sight—it’s so strange to see the shadow of your own planet projected onto another planetary body.
How To See The Full ‘Super Harvest Moon Eclipse’
Get somewhere high up that faces east, or visit an east-facing coast, both of which will give you a clear view of the horizon—and the best views of the “Harvest Moon,” clear skies allowing. Unaided eyes are perfect, though a pair of binoculars will give you a stunning close-up.
Why The ‘Harvest Moon’ Is Also A ‘Supermoon’
The “Harvest Moon” will be the second of four “supermoon” full moons in 2024. A supermoon—or a perigee full moon—is slightly bigger and brighter than the average full moon.
Since the moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. Astronomer Fred Espenak defines a supermoon as a perigee full moon occurring “within 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit.” It will be 222,131 miles (357,485 kilometers) from Earth.
When Is The Next Full Moon?
The next full moon after the “Harvest Moon” will be the full “Hunter’s Moon” on Thursday, October 17—the tenth of the 12 full moons in 2024 and the biggest and brightest “supermoon” of the year.
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Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
