What's happened
On the night of September 17-18, 2024, a harvest supermoon coincided with a partial lunar eclipse, visible across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. The supermoon appeared larger and brighter than usual, while the eclipse cast a shadow on a small portion of the moon, peaking at 3:44 AM BST.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Sky News, the supermoon was at its fullest on September 17, appearing larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth. The partial lunar eclipse, which peaked at 3:44 AM BST, was visible across various regions, including the UK and parts of the US. The Independent highlighted the cultural significance of the harvest moon, noting its role in aiding farmers during the harvest season. Meanwhile, BBC News emphasized the rarity of this event, stating that the next partial lunar eclipse won't occur until 2026, making this a unique opportunity for skywatchers. The New York Times described the eclipse as a chance to appreciate the cosmic alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun, enhancing public interest in astronomy.
How we got here
The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally aiding farmers in their harvest. This year, it coincided with a partial lunar eclipse, a rare event that will not occur again until 2026.
Common question
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What is the Harvest Moon and When is the Lunar Eclipse Tonight?
On the night of September 17-18, 2024, a spectacular celestial event will take place: a partial lunar eclipse coinciding with the harvest supermoon. This unique alignment not only captivates stargazers but also holds cultural significance. Read on to discover what the Harvest Moon is, how to view the lunar eclipse, and more about these fascinating lunar phenomena.
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What is a Harvest Supermoon and How Does it Differ from a Regular Moon?
On September 17-18, 2024, a spectacular harvest supermoon coincided with a partial lunar eclipse, captivating skywatchers across multiple continents. This unique celestial event raises many questions about what a harvest supermoon is, how it differs from a regular moon, and what to expect during a lunar eclipse. Below, we answer some of the most common queries related to this astronomical phenomenon.
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What Are the Major News Stories Making Headlines This Week?
This week has been packed with significant events that are shaping our world. From investigations into tragic incidents to celestial wonders and political upheavals, these stories are not just headlines; they reflect broader societal trends and concerns. Read on to discover the key stories and what they mean for the future.
More on these topics
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A supermoon is a full moon or a new moon that nearly coincides with perigee—the closest that the Moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit—resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size of the lunar disk as viewed from Earth.
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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned with Earth between the other two, and only on the night of a full moon.
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Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. According to radiometric dating estimation and other evidence, Earth formed over 4.5 billion years ago.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
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The Moon is an astronomical body orbiting Earth and is the planet's only natural satellite. It is the fifth-largest satellite in the Solar System, and by far the largest among planetary satellites relative to the size of the planet that it orbits.
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South America is a continent in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.3 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area.
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Central Europe is the region comprising the central part of Europe. Central Europe occupies continuous territories that are otherwise sometimes considered parts of Western Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.