Lunar Eclipse 2024: 18 Days Until Blood Moon
- A partial lunar eclipse is anticipated to occur on September 18, 2024, offering a celestial display visible across several continents.
- Lunar eclipses happen when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface.
- The upcoming eclipse on September 18th is described as having an umbral magnitude of 0.0869, indicating the fraction of the Moon’s diameter covered by the umbra at maximum...
A partial lunar eclipse is anticipated to occur on , offering a celestial display visible across several continents. This event, sometimes referred to as a “Blood Moon” due to the reddish hue the Moon can take on during a total lunar eclipse, will be a partial eclipse, meaning only a portion of the Moon will pass through the Earth’s umbra – the darkest part of its shadow.
Understanding Lunar Eclipses
Lunar eclipses happen when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, which are visible only from a limited geographic area, lunar eclipses can be seen from anywhere on Earth’s night side. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, while the remaining portion remains illuminated by sunlight.
The upcoming eclipse on is described as having an umbral magnitude of 0.0869, indicating the fraction of the Moon’s diameter covered by the umbra at maximum eclipse. The maximum partiality will occur at .
Visibility and Timing
The eclipse will be completely visible over North and South America, western Africa, and western Europe. Observers in western North America will see the Moon rising during the eclipse, while those in eastern Africa, eastern Europe, and western and central Asia will observe the Moon setting as the eclipse progresses. The eclipse will begin with the penumbral phase – when the Moon passes through the Earth’s outer, fainter shadow – at . The umbral phase, where the partial eclipse is visible, will begin at , and will end at . The entire event will conclude with the penumbral phase ending at .
Supermoon and Perigee
This particular lunar eclipse is occurring near perigee, the point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth. This means the Moon will appear slightly larger and brighter in the sky than usual. The Moon’s apparent diameter will be larger on at . When a full moon occurs at or near its closest approach to Earth, it is often called a “supermoon.” The combination of a supermoon and a lunar eclipse contributes to a more visually striking event.
The Significance of Saros Cycles
The eclipse is part of Lunar Saros cycle 118, specifically the 52nd eclipse of 73 in that cycle. Saros cycles are periods of approximately 18 years and 11 days during which the Sun, Earth, and Moon return to roughly the same relative geometry, resulting in recurring eclipse patterns. This eclipse is noted as the final partial lunar eclipse of this particular Saros cycle.
What Causes the “Blood Moon” Color?
The reddish hue often associated with lunar eclipses, giving rise to the term “Blood Moon,” is caused by a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. During a lunar eclipse, some sunlight is bent through the Earth’s atmosphere and scattered onto the Moon’s surface. Blue light is scattered away more effectively than red light, resulting in a predominantly reddish color cast on the Moon. The intensity of the red color can vary depending on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
While the eclipse is the last partial lunar eclipse of Saros cycle 118, future lunar eclipses will continue to occur. The next opportunity to observe a similar event will be in . The year 2024 already featured a lunar eclipse on and a partial lunar eclipse on , as well as two solar eclipses – a total solar eclipse on and an annular solar eclipse on .
Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses, which require special eye protection. Observers are encouraged to find a dark location away from city lights to maximize their viewing experience.