A stunning “Harvest Full Moon” is making its grand entrance on the evening of Tuesday, September 17, 2024 — lighting up our skies with its glow — and this time, it comes with a bonus: a partial lunar eclipse! It’s the perfect way to bid farewell to summer and welcome fall under the enchanting light of a full moon.
According to NASA, the Moon will begin sliding into Earth’s partial shadow at 5:41 p.m. PST. The dimming won’t be very noticeable until 7:13 p.m., when the Moon’s top edge starts to enter the full shadow. The peak of the eclipse will occur at 7:44 p.m., with just 8 percent of the Moon in full shadow. The Moon will fully exit the full shadow by 8:16 p.m. and drift out of the partial shadow by 12:47 a.m. the next morning.
As for the full moon, it’s set to shine brightly from Tuesday evening to Thursday. For the best view of the Harvest Moon, you can calculate your local sunset and moonrise times here. Remember, you can look up anytime after dark if the weather permits for a chance to witness this celestial beauty.
If you’re curious about the nickname “Harvest Moon” — it dates back to 1706, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, and is used by the Farmers Almanac. Traditionally, the Harvest Moon is seen in September, but it has appeared in October in years past, like in 2021. The Algonquin tribes of the northeastern U.S. referred to this moon as the Corn Moon, marking the time for harvesting crops such as corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice. It also aligns with the fall equinox, giving farmers extra moonlight to gather their bounty.
So, let’s celebrate nature’s abundance and welcome autumn with this lunar showstopper. Look up, soak up the moonlit vibes, and embrace the season of change. It’s sure to be a spectacular sight!