The skies over Massachusetts are primed to offer a celestial spectacle tonight with a partial lunar eclipse coinciding with a supermoon. According to NBC10 Boston, the partial eclipse is set to begin at 8:41 p.m., reaching its peak easement at 10:44 p.m. during the full Harvest Supermoon.
The Harvest Moon, as it is traditionally known due to its close proximity to the Autumnal Equinox, is also to sometimes be referred to as the "Corn Moon." The full moon itself is scheduled to be officially full in Boston at 10:35 p.m., as noted by CBS News Boston. The eclipse will see Earth's shadow covering a slender 9% of the moon's diameter, with a mere 4% of the moon's surface entering the umbra—the darkest portion of Earth's shadow.
Onlookers are advised that the heightened presence of wildfire smoke and rising humidity is expected to impart a pink or orange hue to the moon. These conditions might serve to somewhat obscure the eclipse's maximum coverage, which will be minuscule compared to a total lunar eclipse, but the phenomenon remains a noteworthy sight for those keen to set their gaze above.
Adding to tonight's sky-watching opportunities, residents in Massachusetts may also get to witness the Aurora, following heightened solar activity, as reported by NBC10 Boston. While the aurora could prove difficult to spot with the naked eye, a camera may capture the light display far better. The partial eclipse should be best viewed between 10:12 p.m. and 11:17 p.m., when it is most pronounced to enter the darker shadow of Earth.
For those hoping to catch these events, it's advisable to find a spot with a clear view of the sky, as cloud cover is expected to move in this evening. The layer of high clouds could slightly diminish the clarity of these natural wonders, although they won't fully deter the viewing experience. If you capture any images of either event, CBS News Boston encourages sharing them via email at [email protected].
