Tuesday's Trifecta

 

Tomorrow evening, our satellite moon will provide a celestial treat. The lunar trifecta will include a supermoon, a partial lunar eclipse, and a blood moon.


A supermoon is defined when the moon’s orbit is within 90% of its closest point to Earth (perigee), per astrologer Richard Nolle. The term applies to both new and full moons, but since we can’t see new moons, we turn our attention to the full moon supermoons.


A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the sun and a full moon, and the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. According to NASA, the peak lunar eclipse will occur tomorrow, September 17, at 10:44 EDT (02:44 UT). The upcoming eclipse will only be partial: only the upper part of the moon (top 8%) hidden behind the umbra (the darkest portion of the Earth’s shadow).


A blood moon is noted when the planet’s penumbra (the lighter area of the Earth’s shadow) gives the visible portion of the lunar disk a reddish-brown cast.


Native peoples, religious groups, and scientists have given September’s full moon many names. In the US, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is considered the Harvest Moon due to the longer period of moonlight illumination for harvesting farmers.

The Algonquin nation in the northeastern USA calls this moon the Corn Moon, as they gathered their staple crops. In Europe, it is named either the Fruit or Barley Moon relative to the local plants.


Will you take the opportunity to view this special moon tomorrow evening? I hope the skies will be clear to facilitate the sight.

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