Lunar eclipse

Lunar Leaps: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Harvest Supermoon Eclipse!

Get ready to be starstruck! A harvest supermoon and lunar eclipse are joining forces in the sky – are you prepared for the cosmic show?

The skies above Park City are set to dazzle as a spectacular astronomical alignment occurs with this year’s Harvest Moon coinciding with a partial lunar eclipse. This rare occasion where the Earth finds itself snugly positioned between the sun and the moon creates quite the celestial shadow play, captivating moongazers everywhere. It’s not every day that we have a supermoon kissing the harvest moon, making it an excellent opportunity for star lovers and wannabe astronomers alike to experience this nightly wonder!

And what’s a supermoon, you ask? Well, it’s all about perspective! When a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest orbit to Earth, it appears larger and brighter than usual—a breathtaking sight that can entice anyone to look up. Add a partial lunar eclipse to the equation, and it’s essentially like the moon is playing peek-a-boo! For about an hour, lucky observers across Canada and beyond will witness a portion of the moon dipping into Earth's shadow, leaving behind a sizeable dark ‘bite’ reminiscent of your favourite chocolate treat.

The star-studded show will take place on September 17, and if you want to catch it, mark your calendars! The show begins at 10:35 PM EDT, with the peak eclipse expected around 3:44 AM. Make sure your cameras are charged and your viewing spots selected to capture the magic! Whether you're out under the stars with a telescope or simply enjoying the view from your backyard, it's the perfect excuse to bring out some blankets and lounge while basking in moonlight and celestial wonders.

For those who haven’t yet been bitten by the celestial bug, here’s a fun fact: did you know that not all full moons have names? The Harvest Moon is particularly special, as it traditionally signifies the time for farmers to gather crops before winter arrives. Plus, while enjoying the historical significance of the harvest moon, consider this—supermoons can happen multiple times a year, but when they team up with a lunar eclipse, it’s truly a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!