Are you curious about seeing a lunar eclipse? Mark your calendars! On September 17th, 2024, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible, and the Jefferson College Observatory is hosting a viewing event. If you’re wondering What Time Is The Eclipse On September 17th, and how to best see it, here’s what you need to know.
The partial lunar eclipse will begin at 9:14 PM Central Time, when the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow at an altitude of 23 degrees above the horizon. The mid-eclipse, the point of greatest obscuration, will occur at 9:45 PM Central Time. The eclipse will conclude at 10:16 PM Central Time, with the Moon reaching an altitude of 33 degrees. The Jefferson College Observatory will be open to the public from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM Central Time, offering a perfect location to witness this celestial event.
While this particular eclipse is considered a minor event, with less than 10% of the Moon entering the Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of the shadow), it still provides a fantastic opportunity to observe a lunar phenomenon. It’s also a chance to enjoy stargazing, as Saturn will also be visible in the night sky.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Time: 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM Central Time
- Eclipse Begins: 9:14 PM (alt-23 degrees)
- Mid-Eclipse: 9:45 PM
- Eclipse Ends: 10:16 PM (alt=33 degrees)
- Location: Jefferson College Observatory, 9873 Farm Road, Hillsboro, MO 63050
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What to Expect at a Partial Lunar Eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse happens when only a portion of the Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra. Unlike a total lunar eclipse where the entire Moon turns a reddish hue, during a partial eclipse, only a part of the Moon will appear dimmed and shadowed. For this eclipse on September 17th, the effect will be subtle but still observable, especially through binoculars or a telescope.
Tips for Viewing the Lunar Eclipse:
- Bring Binoculars or a Telescope: While the eclipse is visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to see the details of the Earth’s shadow on the Moon’s surface more clearly. The Jefferson College Observatory will also have telescopes available for public use.
- Comfortable Seating: Consider bringing chairs or blankets to relax and comfortably observe the night sky.
- Check the Weather: Before heading out, check the local weather forecast to ensure clear skies for optimal viewing.
- Observe Saturn: In addition to the lunar eclipse, Saturn will be visible. This is a great opportunity to view the ringed planet through a telescope.
The Moon on September 17th will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, meaning it will be more than half-illuminated and growing towards full. This bright moonlight might make the subtle shadow of the partial eclipse a bit more challenging to discern with the naked eye, further highlighting the benefit of using binoculars or a telescope.
More Astronomy to Look Forward To:
If you happen to miss this partial lunar eclipse or are looking for a more dramatic lunar event, mark your calendar for the Total Lunar Eclipse on the morning of March 14, 2025, which will be visible from St. Louis. Total lunar eclipses are truly spectacular events, painting the moon in deep reds and oranges.
For more information about the September 17th partial lunar eclipse event or astronomy in general, you can contact the St. Louis Astronomical Society or visit the Jefferson College Observatory website.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a celestial event at the Jefferson College Observatory! Knowing what time is the eclipse on September 17th is your first step to witnessing this fascinating, albeit subtle, partial lunar eclipse.
