On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Harvest Supermoon will reach its peak illumination. According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity makes a supermoon appear to be 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at apogee, or its farthest point.
The moon is set to be one of the biggest and brightest on record for the year, bringing a special astronomical treat with it.
The Harvest Supermoon is extra unique this year in that it will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse on the night of Tuesday, September 17. The moon will begin entering Earth’s shadow at approximately 8:41 PM EDT. At the peak of the eclipse at 10:44 PM EDT, about 8% of the moon will be obscured by Earth’s shadow.
When is the moonrise?
The Harvest Supermoon rises shortly after sunset for several days preceding and succeeding the autumn equinox. That is actually how it obtained the name “harvest,” by providing a necessary light source for farmers harvesting crops late into the night.
At moonrise, the moon takes on an orange hue due to atmospheric effects. The best time to catch this view is around 7 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 17.
Best way to view the Harvest Supermoon on the East Coast
Moonrise happens in the East, so make sure you’re facing east. It’s easiest to view the moon in an area with low light pollution and a high elevation. East-facing coastal areas with minimal trees, mountains, or stargazing parks offer the best vantage points for September’s Harvest Supermoon.