Moon Alert: The Darkest Night of the Year is Coming, But That's Not the Worst

Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat as September brings about a spectacular celestial event - a partial lunar eclipse combined with a supermoon. The night sky will witness a lunar spectacle, visible to viewers with clear skies in North and South America on Tuesday night and in Africa and Europe on Wednesday morning.

A partial lunar eclipse is quite an awe-inspiring event, as it is a rare occurrence when the Earth manages to slide between the Moon and the Sun. This results in a partial covering of the Moon's surface by the Earth's shadow. While it is often confused with a solar eclipse, where the Moon casts its shadow on the Earth's surface, a lunar eclipse showcases the beauty of the Earth's shadow on the Moon.

The phenomenon will start to manifest as the Moon rises high in the night sky and will reach its maximum eclipse at around 9 PM EST. The entire process will last for approximately five hours, concluding just before dawn breaks.

During this time, enthusiasts and photographers can attempt to capture breath-taking images of the Moon, that will display an intriguing difference as its shadow progresses across its surface. It is essential to remember that no special equipment is needed to witness this spectacular display - only a pair of eyes and clear visibility in the sky.

The September supermoon is not only an excellent opportunity for astronomers but also offers the perfect setting for casual stargazers and space enthusiasts alike. Therefore, ensure to save the date and spare some time on Tuesday night (or Wednesday morning for some parts of the world), to marvel at the magical display unfolding above us.

Timing could not be better for stargazers, considering the clear visibility in autumn and the event's coincidence with the supermoon - the closest full moon the Earth experiences in its orbit around the Earth. However, any lunar eclipse requires an alignment of celestial bodies, namely the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Thankfully, the sky will be on our side, making this an extraordinary occurrence we must not miss.

To ensure optimal viewing of the lunar eclipse, consider seeking out places with minimal light pollution. This will allow stargazers to maximize the viewing experience and appreciate the spectacular beauty of the combination of a supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse. Get ready and have your calendars marked - a dark, yet intriguing night awaits us!