In the wee hours of Wednesday, a unique astronomical event will provide sky enthusiasts an opportunity to witness a partial eclipse of a supermoon which also happens to be a harvest moon. This celestial spectacle, lasting slightly more than an hour, is expected to start at 3.13am and end by 4.16am, presenting a rare confluence of three lunar phenomena.
The distinct rarity of this event, as pointed out by Astronomy Ireland, is due to it featuring a full moon in its closest proximity to our planet, thereby becoming a supermoon. The added marvel to this whole display is its simultaneous occurrence with a harvest moon. Historically, a harvest moon, the brightly lit full moon closest to the beginning of autumn was relied upon by farmers pre-electricity era to gather their crops late into the night.
The mid-eclipse, predicted around 3.44am, will be evident through a substantial dark shadow being cast on the upper edge of the moon, a sight of Earth’s shadow traversing the lunar surface.
David Moore, the editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine anticipates a favourable forecast by Met Éireann for all of Ireland, with mostly clear skies that will facilitate widespread viewing of this exceptional supermoon eclipse. Moore dubbed the event as worth not just staying up for, but even considering a day off from work if required. He further noted that no special equipment would be necessary to enjoy the spectacle, though those with binoculars might get a closer glimpse of the event.