Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd September 2024
On the evening of Tuesday 17th, we have a Full Moon. It will be rising above the east south east horizon after dark, around 8.30pm, with Saturn just to the right of it.
This particular Full Moon is known as the Harvest Moon because it is the Full Moon occurring nearest to the autumnal equinox that takes place on Sunday 22nd. Near the time of the autumnal equinox, when we have equal 12-hour periods of day and night, the angle of the Moon's orbit relative to Earth's horizon is at its minimum and this causes the Moon to appear to rise above the horizon much faster than usual.
If you stay up into the early hours of the Wednesday morning 18th and keep looking at the Moon, there will be a special treat in store for you! From 3.15am there is a partial lunar eclipse, with the maximum effect noticeable at 3.45am. At this time, the Moon will be located towards the south west.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow can be seen cast on the lunar surface - we are blocking the light from the Sun hitting the Moon. This time, it is only a partial eclipse and the Earth's shadow will cover just a few percent of the Lunar surface. In other words, you had best dig out those binoculars or a telescope to be able to see it clearly.
Finally, there is a nice opportunity to spot the International space station, also on the evening of Tuesday 17th. The ISS will appear over the horizon to the west at 8.29pm and spend six minutes silently passing overhead before disappearing towards the east.
So it's all happening Tuesday night / Wednesday morning - keep your fingers crossed for a break in the weather then!
www.starsoversomerset.com
Screenshots courtesy of Stellarium
Copyright Adrian Dening and Radio Ninesprings 2024
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