Attention, sky-gazers! A remarkable celestial event has set the night sky ablaze, as September's full harvest moon coincided with a stunning partial lunar eclipse on Tuesday night. Here's all you need to know about this magnificent sight, which many around the world experienced firsthand at 10:35 p.m. ET.

During this captivating event, the moon was not only at its fullest but also showcased a unique phenomenon for nearly an hour—it appeared as if a bite had been taken out of it! This partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth aligns between the sun and the full moon, although they're not perfectly aligned. If you were lucky enough, you may have spotted this over Europe, Asia, Africa, and both North and South America.

The timing of this extraordinary event was precise: the moon slipped into Earth's full shadow at 10:13 p.m. ET and emerged at 11:16 p.m. ET, with the peak eclipse anticipated at 10:44 p.m. ET, according to NASA.

While many might wonder about other eclipse types, including the mesmerizing blood moon—where Earth's shadow casts a dramatic red hue—this week’s lunar spectacle did not feature that characteristic. “The eclipse will not turn the moon red,” explained NASA's Noah Petro, emphasizing that keen observers might only notice a darkened section in the top right corner of the moon.

What Exactly is a Supermoon?

This month, the full moon was not just any regular full moon; September’s event is considered the second of four consecutive supermoons we can expect in 2024. But what makes a supermoon so special? It occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter in the night sky. While the average distance from Earth to the moon is about 238,900 miles (384,472 kilometers), this supermoon was approximately 222,637 miles (358,300 kilometers) away!

Don’t Forget to Look for Saturn!

As you admire the bright moon, don't miss Saturn, which will look like a brilliant dot nearby. It’s a great opportunity for astronomy lovers and casual observers alike to engage with the wonders of our solar system.

Cultural Significance of the Harvest Moon

September's full moon is aptly named the “harvest moon” because it occurs just before the onset of autumn (fall), which is marked by the autumnal equinox on September 22. Farmers relied on this bright moonlight to continue their harvests well into the evening before frost set in.

Different cultures have given this moon various names, reflecting its significance: the Hopi people call it the “moon of full harvest,” while the Abenaki tribe refers to it as the “corn maker moon.” European traditions also recognize the “fruit moon” and “barley moon,” celebrating the bounty of the end of summer.

Additionally, many cultures celebrate during this time, such as the Korean festival of Chuseok and the Chinese Mooncake Festival, both focused on family and honoring ancestors.

Save the Date: Upcoming Celestial Events!

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next full moon—the hunter’s moon—on October 17, which will also be a supermoon and the closest of the year at about 222,095 miles (357,428 kilometers) away. Following that will be the beaver moon on November 15 and the cold moon on December 15.

Sky-gazing enthusiasts can also look forward to a series of exciting meteor showers as 2024 wraps up. Here are key upcoming peak dates:

- Draconids: October 7-8

- Orionids: October 20-21

- Southern Taurids: November 4-5

- Northern Taurids: November 11-12

- Leonids: November 17-18

- Geminids: December 13-14

- Ursids: December 21-22

Whether you’re a casual observer or a seasoned astronomer, get ready to soak in these celestial wonders that promise to light up the fall sky!