The stars are aligning above Texas skies this Tuesday with a celestial trinity of a full moon, super Harvest moon, and partial lunar eclipse. Find out when to see this spectacular phenomenon in Dallas!
What is a partial lunar eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when a portion of the moon enter’s the Earth’s shadow or umbra. The phenomenon has three phases: penumbral, umbral, and penumbral.
This is different from a total lunar eclipse, which is when the entirety of the moon passes through the Earth’s umbra resulting in a reddish hue cast upon the moon.
When does the partial lunar eclipse take place?
The partial lunar eclipse, in the Dallas area, will start around 7:41 pm with the penumbral phrase. This will last for a little over an hour and a half.
The umbral phase will follow at 9:12 pm in which viewers can witness the “bite out of the moon” effect in which over 8% of the moon is obscured in shadow.
The peak of the partial eclipse occurs around 9:44 pm. The umbral eclipse will end at 10:15 pm; the second penumbral phrase will terminate around 11:47 pm.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox. Before and since “Harvest Moon” was popularized by the Maine Farmers Almanac in 1706, the moon has been known by many different names. Previously, the extra brightness of the full Harvest Moon allowed farmers to work further into the evening.
What is a super moon?
A super moon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. On average, these moons appear to be the biggest and brightest moons of the year larger roughly 7% than average full moons.
The super Harvest moon is the second of four super moons this year. The next super moon will take place on October 17.