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By Josiah Carrasco
Residents of Midland and Fort Stockton are in for an astronomical double-feature this week as a supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse will grace the skies on Tuesday night, September 17, 2024. This dazzling celestial event promises to be one of the highlights of the year for skywatchers across North America, with prime viewing conditions expected in Texas.
With clear skies, residents of West Texas will have a perfect view of this rare combination of events, and the best part is—you won’t need any special equipment to enjoy it!
What is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon. While not a total eclipse, where the moon would be fully covered by Earth’s shadow, a partial eclipse still offers an impressive display. The Earth’s shadow will cover a significant portion of the moon, creating the illusion that a "bite" has been taken out of it. As the night progresses, you’ll see the shadow grow, and eventually, the moon will begin to re-emerge as it passes out of the Earth’s shadow.
This week’s partial lunar eclipse is the second and final one of 2024, following a subtle lunar event that occurred in March. According to NASA, anywhere from four to seven lunar or solar eclipses occur each year. Though this one won’t bring the dramatic total darkness of a total lunar eclipse, it’s still an event worth marking on your calendar.
For an even more dramatic lunar event, you can look forward to March 13, 2025, when a total lunar eclipse will paint the moon a deep red, a phenomenon often called a "blood moon." This happens when Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue light, casting a red hue on the fully shadowed moon.
What is a Supermoon?
The supermoon is no less exciting. This occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon. Since the moon will be slightly closer to Earth than usual, it’ll look about 7% larger and will shine more brightly in the night sky.
This will be the third supermoon of 2024, with just one more remaining before the year’s end. These types of events are fairly common, but when they coincide with a lunar eclipse, it becomes a must-see moment.
How to View the Eclipse and Supermoon
Fortunately, viewing the lunar eclipse and supermoon is an accessible experience for everyone. Unlike a solar eclipse, no special eye protection is needed. You can look directly at the moon with your naked eye, and it’s completely safe. However, if you want to enhance your viewing experience, you can bring out binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the surface of the moon and the shadow as it moves across it.
Here are some additional tips from KaChun Yu, curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, for the best viewing experience:
Plan to be outside for a few hours or take multiple glances at the sky throughout the evening to notice the gradual changes.
Try to find a spot away from bright city lights for an optimal view. The less light pollution, the better.
The moonrise will occur in the early evening, so it’s a good idea to set up in time to watch the moon as it begins to rise and become visible in the sky.
For those in Midland and Fort Stockton, both cities offer plenty of opportunities to catch the lunar show. Fort Stockton is known for its wide-open skies and minimal light pollution, making it a prime location for moon watching. Midlandresidents might want to venture out of the city toward less populated areas, such as nearby parks, for an unobstructed view.
Local Events and Viewing Parties
Interested in viewing the partial lunar eclipse with fellow skywatchers? Consider reaching out to local astronomy clubsor community groups that may be hosting viewing events. These types of events often allow members of the public to use telescopes for a closer look, making the experience even more enjoyable. Keep an eye on social media or local event listings to see if any viewing parties pop up in your area.
Both the West Texas Astronomy Club and Midland College have been known to offer events or lectures surrounding major celestial events like this one. You might also find that local libraries or community centers are hosting group events, so it's worth checking to see what's happening near you.
You can also find additional tips for viewing the event and local gatherings by visiting resources like Time and Date's eclipse viewing guide or NASA’s Night Sky Network for upcoming events near you.
Why Does This Matter?
While the combination of a partial lunar eclipse and a supermoon may not seem like a groundbreaking event, it provides an incredible opportunity to step outside and connect with the wonders of the universe. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life, but moments like this remind us of the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it.
For astronomers, both amateur and professional, this event is an opportunity to observe and study the intricate dance between the Earth, sun, and moon. It’s also a fantastic chance for residents of Midland and Fort Stockton to experience one of nature’s more awe-inspiring events.
Looking Ahead: Total Solar Eclipse in 2024
If you're still hungry for more after the lunar eclipse, there’s another big celestial event to look forward to: On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, plunging select cities into complete darkness for a few minutes as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. This event is expected to be one of the most widely viewed solar eclipses in recent history. Keep an eye on eclipse maps to see whether Midland or Fort Stockton will be in the path of totality or if you’ll need to travel a bit for a full view of the eclipse.
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for this rare event, the excitement is building. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a curious beginner, the partial lunar eclipse and supermoon are sure to leave you in awe. So grab a chair, bring your friends or family, and enjoy the show!
For more in-depth coverage of this event and other upcoming celestial happenings, check out the Associated Press’s previous coverage on supermoons and the 2024 total solar eclipse.
And don’t forget to keep an eye on local weather forecasts to ensure you’ll have clear skies on Tuesday night. With any luck, the skies over Midland and Fort Stockton will be clear, and residents will get to witness this spectacular event in all its glory.
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