What happens when the full moon is also a super moon accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse? We’re about to find out. This week is shaping up to be an exciting time for sky watchers and anglers on the Treasure Coast. Not only will we experience the full Harvest Moon, but we’ll also be treated to a Supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse, right in the middle of the fall mullet migration — all wrapped up in one spectacular celestial event on September 17-18, 2024. This celestial trifecta is a rare occurrence and will not happen until Oct. 8, 2033.
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox (September 22, 2024). This full moon is historically significant because it allowed farmers to continue harvesting crops late into the evening thanks to its early rise and extended light. It’s known for its bright, golden hue and its special timing, rising earlier in the evening than most full moons.
A Supermoon occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. During this Supermoon, the moon will be about 224,700 miles (361,800 kilometers) from Earth, as opposed to its average distance of 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers). This means it will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. While the difference in size may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye, the Supermoon effect gives the moon an extra wow factor, especially when it rises just after sunset.
Adding even more excitement to this already spectacular event is the fact that a partial lunar eclipse will also occur! A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. In a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon enters Earth’s shadow (the umbra), giving part of the moon a darker reddish appearance also known as a blood moon.
The partial lunar eclipse of September 17-18, 2024, will begin in the late evening (Eastern Time) on the 17th and continue into the early morning of the 18th. At its maximum, about 12% of the moon’s surface will be darkened by Earth’s shadow. Although this isn’t as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, it’s still a beautiful and rare phenomenon to witness.
Of course it’s not only the skies that are going to be totally lit this week. We’re right in the middle of the fall mullet run on the Treasure Coast. Fishing is usually best leading up to a full moon, at least according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, but add to that millions of migrating baitfish just off shore and you can bet that the next few days of fishing will also be out of this world!