# A Partial Lunar Eclipse Will Conceal the Harvest Moon This Tuesday
This Tuesday night, the sky will present a celestial display as the full moon of September, called the Harvest Moon, aligns with a partial lunar eclipse. This occurrence signifies the start of the 2024 eclipse season, a time when the sun approaches one of the moon’s nodes, enabling both solar and lunar eclipses to take place.
### What is the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that takes place closest to the autumn equinox, which generally lands around September 22nd or 23rd. Traditionally, this moon provided additional illumination to farmers, enabling them to labor late into the night during the harvest time, thus earning its name. This year, the Harvest Moon will be particularly significant as it will be partially shrouded by the Earth’s shadow during a lunar eclipse.
### What is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse happens when just a part of the moon slips into the Earth’s umbra, the darkest section of its shadow. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, where the entire moon is engulfed and frequently takes on a reddish tint (often called a “blood moon”), a partial eclipse only dims part of the moon’s surface. In this instance, approximately 8.7 percent of the moon’s upper area will be obscured during the peak of the eclipse.
Though it may not be as spectacular as a total lunar eclipse, it’s still a remarkable event to observe, particularly for stargazers. The dark arc of the Earth’s shadow will be distinctly seen on the moon’s surface, even without a telescope.
### Where and When Can You See It?
The partial lunar eclipse will be observable across most of North America, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. It will also be visible throughout all of South America, with specific locations, such as Sao Luis, Brazil, experiencing a maximum eclipse with the moon directly overhead.
For those located in North America, the eclipse will commence in the early morning hours of Tuesday. No special gear will be required to catch a glimpse, though binoculars or a telescope might enhance the viewing experience. The event will be visible to the naked eye, and the difference between the bright moon and the Earth’s shadow should be readily apparent.
### What’s Next in the Eclipse Season?
This partial lunar eclipse is merely the onset of the eclipse season. In October, we will observe an annular solar eclipse, sometimes known as a “ring of fire” eclipse. During this occasion, the moon will be positioned too far from Earth to entirely obscure the sun, resulting in a ring of sunlight visible around the edges of the moon.
Looking ahead, 2024 will feature two total lunar eclipses as well. The first will take place in March, followed by the second in September. These total eclipses will showcase a more dramatic sight, as the moon will be completely enveloped in the Earth’s shadow, often adopting a deep red hue due to sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere.
### Conclusion
While this week’s partial lunar eclipse may not command the same awe as a total eclipse, it remains a rare and stunning event deserving of your attention. Whether you’re a dedicated skywatcher or someone who simply enjoys the occasional look at the night sky, the combination of the Harvest Moon and the partial eclipse provides a special opportunity to engage with the universe.
So, mark your calendars for Tuesday, and ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to witness the Harvest Moon partially concealed by the Earth’s shadow. And if you’re eager for more astronomical events, rest easy knowing that 2024 has many more exciting occurrences, including two total lunar eclipses and an annular solar eclipse.
