Eclipse with Supermoon: how and when to see the astronomical phenomenon tonight in Argentina

Tonight you can enjoy it from all over Argentina, America, Europe and Africa penultimate major astronomical event of the year: minor eclipse part of the moon.

An astronomical event that will coincide with full moon or full moon in September and with the last of the four”supermoon” of this year can be seen with the naked eye and without any danger to our eyes.

An eclipse which it will take about four hours, will begin when the Earth’s penumbra reaches the Moon at 00:41 GMT on September 18, or 21:41 (local time in Argentina) this Tuesday, September 17.

It reaches its peak in 23:44 (Argentine time) and will end on Wednesday, September 18 in the morning hours.

This phenomenon is third lunar eclipse in 2024, and can be seen from anywhere in the American, European and African continents. According to Time and Date, a reputable site specializing in astronomical events, the exact times of the event have been calculated, indicating that: in Mexico it will start at 18:41, in Colombia at 19:41 and in Spain it will be shown from 4:12.peaks at 4:44 and ends at 5:18.

A partial lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye, until the sky is cloudy. For better observation Binoculars and binoculars can be used. It is recommended to be in places away from light pollution to enjoy it better.

Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires special protection for viewing, the September lunar eclipse will be visible to the naked eye. During this event The Moon appears to gradually darken as the Earth’s shadow partially obscures it. The part of the satellite that remains in shadow will offer different shapes and shades throughout the night.

According to specialists from NASAwill be different phases of a partial lunar eclipse

• First contact of the penumbra (P1): the beginning of a diurnal eclipse, when the Moon begins to enter the Earth’s penumbra. It is the penumbra phase.
• Second Penumbral Contact: The Moon enters the penumbra of our planet completely.
• First shadow contact (U1): our natural satellite enters the Earth’s shadow. This is the end of the twilight phase and the beginning of the first bias phase.
• Fourth Shadow Contact (U4): The Moon fully exits the Earth’s shadow, ending the partial phase and beginning the second penumbral phase.
• Third penumbra contact: a celestial body begins to emerge from the penumbra of our planet.
• Fourth Penumbral Contact (P4): The Moon completely leaves the Earth’s penumbra. It is the end of the penumbral phase and the eclipse.

This astronomical event also coincides with a supermoon, making the phenomenon even more striking. Supermoons occur when the full moon is also closest to Earth. during its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the satellite appear larger and brighter than usual.

The term “supermoon” has gained popularity in recent years, and although it is not an official astronomical term, it is used to describe the phenomenon. It usually occurs three to four times a year. September’s supermoon will be the first of the year, and another will occur in October.

A partial eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon without completely blocking sunlight. This creates a shadow cone over the lunar surface that covers only a small part of it. On this occasion, the dimming will affect about 3.5% of the visible lunar disk, according to several experts in astronomical observations.

The penumbral phase of the eclipse, which appears first, is less obvious to the naked eye because it is a diffuse shadow that causes a slight overall darkening of the Moon. The partial phase in which the “bite” will be observed on the surface of the satellite will be easier to identify and will last just over an hour.

September’s supermoon is popularly known as the “Harvest Moon”. in various places around the world, especially in Spain, as the harvest season begins in many places.

The name comes from ancient farming traditions where farmers used the extraordinary light of a supermoon to work in the fields during harvest nights. Additionally, the eclipse comes just before the fall equinox on September 22nd, when day and night will be virtually the same length around the world.

The last major astronomical event of the year will be the expected annular solar eclipse on October 2, although this phenomenon will only be visible in some parts of South America.

Unlike a lunar eclipse, a solar eclipse requires special protection for its viewing, such as glasses designed specifically for viewing the Sun, because Sunlight can permanently damage eyesight if viewed directly without precautions. In this case, the Moon will cover the center of the Sun, leaving only a ring of light visible around it, creating the well-known “ring of fire” phenomenon.

For lovers of astronomical phenomena, the September lunar eclipse will be a unique opportunity to observe a double spectacle: a partial eclipse of the moon and the visual phenomenon of a supermoon.

Although eclipses are not uncommon—occurring four to seven times a year—the supermoon coincidence adds a special allure. after this event, The next lunar eclipse will occur in March and September 2025, both total and visible from various places on the planet, including some places in Spain. A partial solar eclipse is also expected on March 29 next year.

As the night progresses, millions of people will be able to watch Earth’s natural satellite gradually change its appearance. For those lucky enough to observe it in clear areas, the event will offer a spectacular view of the night sky.