2024-09-11 22:29:32
Washington: A week later, when the full Harvest Moon rises in the sky on Tuesday night, 17 September, another celestial event is going to happen on the same night. Along with the full Harvest Moon, there is going to be an exciting view of lunar eclipse in the sky. This will be a partial lunar eclipse. The special thing about this eclipse will be that during this entire event, Saturn, the ringed planet of our solar system, will be seen shining close to the moon. We will tell you where and how this celestial event happening next week can be seen, but before that let us know what is a lunar eclipse?
What is lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon come in a straight line. During this, the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon, which creates a spectacular view in space. Lunar eclipse occurs only during full moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses – total lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse and penumbral lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon remains completely in the shadow of the Earth. During this time it looks red, due to which it is also called Blood Moon. During a partial lunar eclipse, only a part of the Moon comes in the shadow of the Earth. Penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the outer shadow of the Earth.
Where will the lunar eclipse be visible
The next lunar eclipse is going to happen on September 17. This partial lunar eclipse, which will happen after a week, will present a good view in North America, South America, Europe and Africa. During this time, Saturn will also be seen close to the moon. This will be the last full moon of summer, which will happen near the September equinox. Due to being close to the September equinox, the moon appears a little bigger than usual during this time. In the northern hemisphere, it is also known as Harvest Moon. In ancient times, farmers used to harvest crops in the long moonlit night, due to which it was given this name.
Right time to see lunar eclipse
It is also called a supermoon because it appears larger and brighter than usual. This is because the moon’s monthly orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical. When the moon reaches its closest point to Earth each month during a full moon, it appears larger. Space agency NASA has said that it can be seen between 10:13 pm and 11:15 pm local time in the US. The peak moment of the eclipse will be at 10:44 pm.