How to Watch Tonight's Rare Harvest-Blood-Supermoon
- On Tuesday evening, stargazers across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa will witness a rare celestial event featuring a harvest moon, a blood moon, and a supermoon occurring simultaneously.
- The harvest moon, which appears near the autumn equinox, will rise quickly due to the moon's orbit and Earth's horizon alignment, while the supermoon will make it appear larger than usual.
- This unique combination of events is a rare occurrence, with the next similar event not happening until 2033, when a full lunar eclipse will also take place.
On Tuesday evening, a remarkable celestial event will unfold, captivating stargazers in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. This event combines three phenomena: the harvest moon, blood moon, and supermoon, creating a rare spectacle in the night sky. The harvest moon, which occurs near the autumn equinox, will rise more rapidly than usual due to the specific alignment of the moon's orbit and Earth's horizon. This effect will be enhanced by the simultaneous occurrence of a supermoon, which makes the moon appear larger as it is at its closest point to Earth. Additionally, the blood moon will be visible during a partial lunar eclipse, where the Earth's shadow partially obscures the sun's light, giving the moon a reddish hue. Stargazers are advised to find locations with clear skies for optimal viewing, with the Midwest, South, and Southern Plains of the U.S. expected to have favorable conditions. However, areas on the East Coast may face cloudier forecasts, potentially hindering visibility. The peak of this celestial trifecta is anticipated at 10:44 p.m., with some phases of the eclipse beginning as early as 10:13 p.m. This event is not only a visual treat but also a significant moment for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Looking ahead, the next occurrence of a harvest-blood-supermoon will not take place until 2033, when it will be even more extraordinary due to the inclusion of a full lunar eclipse, making this Tuesday's event a unique opportunity for skywatchers.