How To See The Partial Lunar Eclipse Tonight

Tonight is a big night for stargazers. The moon will experience three lunar phenomena all in one night: it’s the harvest moon, which is also a supermoon, which will also experience a partial eclipse. Here’s exactly what all of that means – plus how to see it best.

A Partial Lunar Eclipse Is Happening Tonight

Tonight (in the early hours of Wednesday 18 September), Earth’s shadow will cover some of the moon, creating a partial lunar eclipse. It’s a celestial display worth staying up for: partial lunar eclipses only happen a couple of times per year, when the Earth sits between the sun and the moon.

What Does It Look Like?

During a partial lunar eclipse, the shadowed part of the moon looks very dark, while the sliver not shadowed by planet Earth shines bright in the sky, creating a striking visual contrast. This differs from a total lunar eclipse, when the moon takes on a reddish hue as the whole surface is darkened.

How Does It Differ From A Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the sun, moon and Earth are in alignment in that order – and the moon blocks the sun’s light from reaching Earth, passing in front of the sun and plummeting the planet into momentary darkness in the middle of the day. In contrast, a lunar eclipse is when Earth sits between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun’s light from reaching the moon and creating a huge shadow.

For humans on the ground, the best difference is that a lunar eclipse is totally safe to look at, while a solar eclipse can be blindingly bright.

Does It Have A Spiritual Significance?

Yes, in many spiritual traditions, lunar eclipses are powerful times for reflection, meditation and setting new intentions – and partial eclipses are no different. Some people believe lunar eclipses can usher inspiration and enlightenment, opening people up to receive spiritual waves of a high frequency.

In astrology, eclipses are believed to signify the darkness of the ego and the potential for spiritual rebirth. For many practitioners, the movement of Earth’s shadow across the moon’s surface represents the unveiling of hidden truths and the illumination of the subconscious. If you feel like you have wandered off track recently, tonight’s eclipse might just nudge you back on course.

How To See The Partial Lunar Eclipse

Your view of tonight’s partial lunar eclipse depends on your location, with the best views occurring where the moon is high in the sky during the eclipse, according to the experts at Giants Causeway Tour. The best time to see the eclipse in the UK is between 3.12am and 4.15am on Wednesday 18 September 2024 – though the phenomenon will last from 1.41am until 5.47am.

The experts at Giants Causeway Tour have compiled a list of top tips to ensure you get the best view tonight.

1. Plan Your Timings

‘Aside from knowing when the lunar eclipse will be, make sure you plan other things like travel, getting a good spot well in advance, and know how you’re going to get home. You should aim to view the eclipse between 03:12 am and 04:15 am, but if you’re planning to try and get a good viewing spot, you may want to arrive even earlier to secure your space.’

2. Find A Clear, Elevated Viewing Spot

‘You may be lucky and get a good view from your house, but residential areas can be full of light pollution and you may not get the best view. The UK is full of great viewpoints, and you can identify one by looking for an area with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon, away from buildings and trees that could obstruct your view of the moon.’

3. Consider Binoculars Or A Good Camera

‘While the partial lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can enhance your experience by allowing you to see more details of the lunar surface and the Earth’s shadow moving across it.

‘If you’re into photography, a lunar eclipse is a great opportunity for some stunning photos. Use a camera with a telephoto lens or even a smartphone with a good zoom feature. A tripod is essential for steady shots, especially in low light. Even better, you then get bragging rights on Facebook, as happened with the Northern Lights spectacle in May.’

4. Check The Weather Forecast

‘In typical UK fashion, it’s not unusual for clouds or rain to get in the way, so keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the eclipse. Cloud cover can obstruct your view of the moon, so if the forecast predicts clouds or rain, consider having a backup plan, such as a location with less light pollution or travelling to a nearby area with a clearer sky.

‘Evenings can be chilly, so make sure to bring extra layers, and a blanket or a comfortable chair to sit on. A thermos of a hot drink can also make the experience more enjoyable, especially if you’re planning to watch for an extended period.’

5. Join A Viewing Party, Or Bring Some Friends

‘Consider joining a local astronomy club or attending a public viewing event. The UK has many active astronomy groups that may host eclipse-viewing events with telescopes and knowledgeable guides. This can enhance your experience and provide you with insights from experts and fellow enthusiasts.

‘If you don’t want to go that far, consider hosting your own viewing party with friends. Bring games, snacks and hot drinks to make the waiting go faster – especially if you’ve gone early to bag yourself one of the best spots.’