Supermoon Eclipse

Image Source NASA

Supermoon Eclipse

There is an exciting astronomical event this week - a supermoon eclipse. Let’s look at what we can expect on September 27th.

“Supermoon” is the title recently coined that refers to the moon when it is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, also know as perigee. It is fractionally larger (14%) and noticeably brighter (30%) at its perigee. Supermoon occurs only once a year and will also be a full moon.

Lunar eclipses are a more frequent treat for us, happening twice a year, but can be often missed because of your location on Earth. This occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and moon, leaving the moon in Earth’s shadow.

It is a rarity for these two events to coincide, in fact - it’s been 30 years. What can you expect? A traditional lunar eclipse, but larger and brighter. The normal reddish-glow of the moon passing into Earth’s umbra will loom slightly larger than the last you witnessed.

Where are you able to see this? North or South America, Europe, Africa, parts of West Asia and Eastern Pacific. The technical beginning will be at 8:11pm EDT, and there will be a noticeable shadow occurring at 9:07pm EDT, and total eclipse will begin at 10:11pm. The entire eclipse will last 1 hour and 12 minutes, make sure you don’t miss it - your next chance is in 2033!

For more reading: NASA & Sky & Telescope

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