How to see year’s biggest supermoon and rare eclipse in Australia tonight

How to see the biggest moon of the year gracing Australian skies tonight, coinciding with a partial lunar eclipse.

Moon lovers rejoice! Tonight, the biggest supermoon of the year, the Harvest Moon, will illuminate the Australian night sky, offering a breathtaking display of nature’s grandeur.

This celestial event coincides with a rare partial lunar eclipse.

As the closest full moon to the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere (autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere), the Harvest Moon is steeped in history and promises to be a dazzling sight.

A giant Harvest Moon rises over the Gold Coast in 2019. Picture: Glenn Hampson

While Aussies won’t be able to witness the partial lunar eclipse directly, we’ll still be treated to the supermoon’s impressive size and brightness.

So, why does the Harvest Moon appear so big, and when is the best time to see it in its supermoon glory?

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this celestial event.

What is the Harvest Moon?

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (named vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). This year, it falls on September 18th.

When to see the 2024 Harvest Moon in Australian skies

If you think the moon looks unusually large tonight, you’re not imagining things.

The Harvest Moon is taking place this Wednesday, September 18th – peaking at 10.34am AWST, 12.04pm ACST, and 12.34pm AEST.

So, it will be an especially spectacular full supermoon on Wednesday night.

The best time to view any supermoon, including the Harvest Moon, is just after sunset when it rises in the east.

Here are the approximate best viewing times for when the supermoon will be popping in capital cities tonight:

Sydney: 6:00 PM AEST

Melbourne: 6:26 PM AEST

Brisbane: 5:53 PM AEST

Canberra: 6:09 PM AEST

Hobart: 6:16 PM AEST

Adelaide: 6:23 PM ACST

Darwin: 6:57 PM ACST

Perth: 6:29 PM AWST

However, please check a reliable source like timeanddate.com for the precise moonrise time, to make sure you’re seeing it at the best time for you.

Why does tonight’s moon look so big?

The Harvest Moon is a type of supermoon, which occurs when the moon reaches its full phase while being at or near its closest point to Earth, known as perigee.

When this happens, the moon appears about 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a typical full moon. This effect is amplified during the Harvest Moon because of its proximity to the equinox, making the moonrise come earlier than usual on successive nights. Yeah, science!

There’s more to the “big moon” phenomenon than just its orbital path.

When the Harvest Moon is close to the horizon, it looks much larger than when it’s high in the sky — a trick of the eye known as the “moon illusion”.

Basically, our brain compares the size of the moon to nearby objects on the horizon, such as buildings or trees, which makes it seem bigger than it really is.

A trick of the eye known as the ‘moon illusion’. makes the Harvest Moon appear even larger than it is. Picture: Matt Turner

How to best see the Harvest Moon (and other supermoons) in Australia

You don’t need any fancy equipment to embrace the moon in all its glory. If the skies are clear, simply look up and enjoy.

But if you want to ensure you’re seeing the moon in its prime, here are some steps you can take:

• Watch the moonrise as it hovers low on the horizon gives you the best chance to witness the illusion that makes it appear even larger,

• For optimal viewing, head to places with clear, unobstructed views of the eastern horizon,

• Whether you’re in a city or out in the countryside, find a location far from bright city lights will help you get the clearest view.

The moon’s light takes on a warmer tone when viewed through Earth’s thicker atmosphere Picture: Kerry Anderson

Fun facts about the Harvest Moon

• The Harvest Moon gets its name from the time when farmers used the extra light to harvest their crops before the arrival of winter,

• Unlike other full moons, the Harvest Moon rises almost immediately after sunset for several days in a row, allowing for more prolonged periods of light in the evening,

• Folklore also surrounds this particular full moon. In some cultures, it’s believed that the Harvest Moon brings good fortune, while others see it as a time for reflection and new beginnings,

• Its glowing orange hue as it rises is often linked to the changing seasons, as the moon’s light takes on a warmer tone when viewed through Earth’s thicker atmosphere near the horizon.

How to watch the partial lunar eclipse

While the partial lunar eclipse won’t be visible from Australia, you can still catch this rare celestial event online. Several live streams will be available, allowing you to witness the moon being partially obscured by Earth’s shadow.

Upcoming Supermoons in Australia

Missed the Harvest Moon? Don’t worry. There’s another supermoon coming up on October 17th. Although it won’t technically be as big, it’s still a pretty damn spectacular celestial show.

Whatever the moon means for you, happy viewing!

Originally published as How to see year’s biggest supermoon and rare eclipse in Australia tonight