Skywatchers in certain parts of the planet will be treated to a rare sight this week when a supermoon coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, creating a very large but very dim full moon.
Outside the few hours of the eclipse, the moon will appear particularly bright and close in the sky.
This is everything you need to know to see the partial eclipse and supermoon this week.
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Will I be able to see the partial lunar eclipse in Australia?
Let’s start with the bad news: no.
The partial lunar eclipse won’t be visible in Australia, as it will take place during the middle of the day on Wednesday when the moon isn’t in our skies.
“Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible from Australia because it will occur during our daytime: the eclipse will begin at 10.41am (AEST) on Wednesday September 18, peak at 12.44pm and end at 2.47pm,” Swinburne’s Dr Rebecca Davies said.
“However, there will be online livestreams available for keen skywatchers to catch a glimpse of this exciting event.”
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How can I see the supermoon in Australia?
You should have two cracks at seeing the supermoon this week.
The moon will be at its fullest at 12.34pm (AEST) on Wednesday, meaning it will be large in the sky once it rises both that night and on Tuesday – although the better view should come on Wednesday evening.
The moon will rise around about 6pm on Wednesday (exactly 6pm in Sydney, 6.26pm in Melbourne, 5.53pm in Brisbane, 6.09pm in Canberra, 6.16pm in Hobart, 6.23pm in Adelaide, 6.57pm in Darwin and 6.29pm in Perth).
As long as the skies are clear, this will be the best time to see the supermoon.
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What is a supermoon?
“Supermoon” is the term given to a full moon that is within 90 per cent of its closest proximity to Earth.
Because of how close they get to us, supermoons appear far bigger and brighter in the sky than other full moons.
This week’s is the second of four straight supermoons and, according to NASA, will be as close as any other this year.
Next month’s supermoon will also be among the closest of 2024.
Is it also a harvest moon?
Yes. September’s supermoon is known as the Harvest Moon, as it’s the full moon closest to the spring equinox.
It’s also known as the Corn Moon, the Fruit Moon and Barley Moon.
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What happens during a partial lunar eclipse?
“Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth blocks light from the sun and casts a shadow on the full moon,” Davies said.
“The September 18 eclipse will be a partial one, covering the top 8.4 per cent of the moon at its peak.”
When is the next partial lunar eclipse?
The next partial lunar eclipse visible from Australia will take place on March 14 next year.
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