Supermoon and partial lunar eclipse to dazzle UK skies - when to watch

Nicholas Malizia

14 September 2024 at 3:32 pm·2-min read

Blood red moon — -Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))

A celestial spectacle is set to grace the night sky this week as a magnificent supermoon coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, offering stargazers a rare treat. The moon will appear 14% larger than usual and take on a blood-red hue, creating an atmospheric autumnal display.

This colour, known as a 'blood moon', is characteristic of partial or total lunar eclipses. The dual event will be visible across Europe, South America, Africa, and much of North America.

For those in the UK, the partial eclipse will commence on Wednesday night, September 18 at 3:12am BST, concluding at 4:15am BST. Lunar eclipses occur when a portion of the moon traverses through Earth's shadow, with a total eclipse happening when the Earth, moon, and sun align perfectly.

The next total lunar eclipse is slated for March 14, 2025. A supermoon happens when the moon is at its nearest point to Earth in its orbit.

Due to its elliptical path, there are times when the moon is closer to our planet than usual. On average, the moon sits 238,900 miles from Earth, but this week it will be just 226,000 miles away, making for a spectacular night sky event, reports the Express.

This month's supermoon is the second of 2024, with two more anticipated in October and November. According to NASA, the moon will appear full for approximately three days, from Monday evening through Thursday morning.

The full moon closest to the autumn equinox is known as a Harvest Moon, and occasionally referred to as a Corn or Barley Moon. This terminology originates from the time when farmers would utilise the light of the full moon in autumn for harvesting crops.

It's an unusual occurrence for a harvest moon, super moon, and lunar eclipse to happen all at once. Star enthusiasts won't have another opportunity to witness such an event until September 2033.

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