Astronomy enthusiasts in Spain are in luck this month. On September 18, 2024, they will be able to see a supermoon that will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than the usual full moon. In addition, this astronomical phenomenon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse. If you want to know all the details, we encourage you to continue reading.
The National Astronomical Observatory of Spain (OAN) has already set the date and time for the great astronomical event of September. This month’s full moon will be a supermoon known as the “harvest moon” and its point of maximum splendor will be on Wednesday of next week, at 4:34 AM (Spanish peninsular time).
The reason the moon will appear larger and brighter than usual is that it will be at its closest point to Earth, at perigee. A supermoon is not as rare as some may think. In August, for example, we had one that was quite similar to the one we can enjoy this month. However, this time it coincides with a partial lunar eclipse.
This eclipse will not be as spectacular as on other occasions. Being partial, it will only cover 8% of the lunar surface. However, passing from the majesty of the supermoon to a shadowy part temporarily can be interesting for astronomy fans.
When will the partial lunar eclipse be?
Only a small part of the Moon will remain in the shadow of the Earth, but it will coincide with the peak of the “harvest moon.” According to the calculations made by the experts, the partial eclipse will begin to be seen at about 4:14 AM and will reach its maximum at 4:45 AM (Spanish peninsular time). Therefore, it will take 31 minutes to see how the Earth’s umbra hides part of the brightest and largest Moon of September.
The eclipse will be visible from different parts of Western Europe, Africa and America. Therefore, we will be able to witness this astronomical event from any corner of Spain if we look at the sky at that time of the morning. In fact, from the Iberian Peninsula, the eclipse will begin at around 2:42 AM, but at that time it will be difficult to perceive the difference. Therefore, it is better to wait to look up from 4:14 AM, as we have mentioned.
Although Wednesday is a day when few people can afford to stay up late, there is sure to be some intrepid astronomy enthusiast who will set an alarm. If you are interested in getting a good look at both astronomical phenomena, we recommend that you go to a place with little light pollution and that you use binoculars or a telescope. Other times when the supermoon will be most impressive will be during dawn or dusk, as the moon will appear larger due to its proximity to the horizon.
Why is the supermoon called the “harvest moon”?
Not all supermoons have such a peculiar nickname as this month’s. The way they refer to it dates back to ancient times. In ancient times, the light of this full moon was perfect for farmers to work until late at night.
In September, many people tend to their crops to prepare for the arrival of winter. In the old days, farmers did not have the machinery or artificial light they needed to continue their work when it started to get dark. For this reason, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox was perfect for harvesting their crops, which is why it came to be called the “harvest moon.”
