Moonstruck: The Cosmic Celebration of the Supermoon Eclipse

The stars are aligning for a celestial spectacle that will captivate moon enthusiasts across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. This Tuesday, a rare event will unfold as the full moon coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, offering a unique opportunity to witness the moon's surface partially obscured by Earth's shadow. As we gaze up at the night sky, let's consider: What is it about the moon that captivates us? Is it its luminescent glow, its constant presence, or our own primordial connection to the celestial body? Whatever the reason, this week's supermoon eclipse promises to be a thrilling experience. But what exactly is a supermoon? Simply put, it occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. This time around, September's full moon, also known as the harvest moon, will be bathed in a special light. The partial lunar eclipse will commence at 8:41 p. m. ET, when the moon begins to enter the Earth's shadow. Even with optimal viewing conditions, the dimming effect will take a bit to notice, but the moment the top edge of the moon becomes obscured at around 10:13 p. m. ET, the magic will begin. The eclipse will peak at 10:44 p. m. ET, with roughly 8% of the moon's surface veiled in shadow. Immediately following the peak, the moon will start to exit the Earth's shadow, concluding the eclipse by around 12:47 a. m. ET on Wednesday. Gladly, this lunar eclipse poses no threat to our peepers. Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is needed, and the show can be enjoyed with the naked eye.