Full Harvest Supermoon, Eclipse to Light Up California's Sky

By JOANNE HALL (Patch Staff)

The ninth month of the year is known for more than back-to-school, the traditional stock market slump, and the U.S. Open of tennis. September is also a month to observe the moon. According to the Sierra Club, we are approaching a particularly rare event as the Full Harvest Moon converges with perigee and a total lunar eclipse.

This “supermoon” event should send astronomers and casual observers alike to their telescopes and windows. It occurs when a perigee moon, a phenomena where the moon appears 14 percent larger because its monthly orbit is closer to Earth than any other time of year, coincides with a full moon on the same date. This year, the supermoon event will be further enhanced with a total lunar eclipse.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 27 at 6:55 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Those of us who live in the western United States may see a different view of the eclipse as a result of the smoky air from several massive wildfires; it may be darker or with more violet hues than being seen by the rest of the nation.

Related:

• What is a ‘Supermoon?’ August’s Will Be The First Of Three In A Row
• Photo of the Week: Smoky Sunset, Stark Reminder

Screenshot courtesy NASA via YouTube