How to View Tonight’s Unique Harvest-Blood-Supermoon Event

Tonight, stargazers across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa are in for a celestial treat: a rare convergence of three extraordinary lunar phenomena—a harvest moon, a blood moon, and a supermoon.

What is a Harvest Moon?

The harvest moon is the full moon that appears closest to the autumn equinox. Traditionally, its bright light was invaluable to farmers as they harvested their crops at the end of the season. This moon rises soon after sunset, creating an optical illusion that makes it appear larger and more luminous. Tonight’s harvest moon will be particularly striking as it coincides with a supermoon, further enhancing its visual impact.

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. Supermoons happen three to four times a year due to the moon’s elliptical orbit, which changes its distance from Earth during each lunar cycle.

What is a Blood Moon?

A blood moon is the result of a partial lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow blocks some of the sun’s light from reaching the moon, casting a reddish hue. Tonight, this phenomenon will combine with the harvest and supermoon, giving viewers a striking red-tinted moon.

Where and When to Watch the Harvest-Blood-Supermoon

To catch this celestial spectacle, find a spot with clear skies—consult your local weather app for the best viewing conditions. The Midwest, South, and Southern Plains of the U.S. are expected to offer relatively clear views, as are cities on the West Coast like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, cloudier conditions might obscure the view in cities on the East Coast, such as Boston and Washington, D.C.

The partial lunar eclipse will start at 8:41 p.m. ET, peak at 10:44 p.m., and viewers might notice the moon entering full shadow as early as 10:13 p.m., according to NASA.

When Will the Next Harvest-Blood-Supermoon Occur?

The next chance to witness a similar Harvest-Blood-Supermoon event will be in the fall of 2033, and it will include a full lunar eclipse, making it even rarer. Upcoming celestial events include a full supermoon on October 17, 2024, and a lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025, as noted by NASA.