In Pics: Partial Lunar Eclipse, Super Harvest Moon Coincide for Rare Celestial Event

New Delhi: A partial lunar eclipse is currently captivating skywatchers across many regions of the world, offering a beautiful celestial show. The event coincides with the full moon of September, also known as the Harvest Moon. This moon is special as it is a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter due to its closer proximity to Earth.

People around the world shared pictures of this rare celestial event. Netizens posted beautiful images of the partial moon on Twitter and Instagram, delighting viewers with the spectacle.

The eclipse began early in the morning at 8:41pm EDT (6:11 AM IST) when the moon entered Earth's penumbral shadow, but this phase is usually hard to see with the naked eye. The more noticeable part, when Earth's darker shadow starts covering the moon, began at 10:00pm (7:42 AM IST).

The eclipse was at its peak around 10:44pm EDT (8:14 AM IST), with about 8% of the moon’s surface being darkened by Earth's shadow. By 8:46 AM IST, the partial eclipse phase has ended, and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at that is around 11pm (10:17 AM IST).

Unfortunately, this spectacle isn’t visible from India. However, lucky skywatchers from regions like western Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Antarctica will witness a small dark “bite” taken out of the moon during the peak of the eclipse.

This event combines three astronomical wonders—a Harvest Moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse, making it a rare sight. Some observers may even see the moon take on a reddish hue during the eclipse, often called a 'blood moon.'

India, though missing out this time, can look forward to future lunar eclipses. The next total lunar eclipse visible from the country will occur on September 7, 2025, followed by a partial eclipse on March 3, 2026.

This celestial event serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonders of the universe, inspiring skywatchers to look up and enjoy the show.