New Delhi, India

There will be a supermoon treat for the skygazers next week as the Harvest supermoon will rise in the sky on September 17 (Tuesday). 

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The supermoon will appear 14 per cent larger and will also go through a partial lunar eclipse when a part of it will come under the shadow of Earth.

It will be a spectacular sight as a part of the full moon will appear darker and the lunar surface will look awashed in blood-red colour because the sunlight will reach it only after passing through the atmosphere of Earth.

Why does a supermoon occur?

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A supermoon appears in the sky when the moon reaches its closest distance to Earth in the planet's elliptical orbit, which is called the 'perigee' and is 226,000 miles away. 

Generally, the moon is 238,900 miles away from Earth. Because of the closer location, the moon appears 30 per cent brighter in comparison to when it is farther away.

Also Read: Supermoon treat! This celestial event is to occur for first time this year on this date. Here's how to watch

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The moon reaches its perigee after orbiting around Earth after every 27 days, however, supermoons only occur nearly three to four times per year. 

The term 'supermoon' is not present in an astronomical dictionary, however, the term is used for the full moon when it reaches close to at least '90 per cent of perigee,' as per NASA's website.

NASA further stated that the 2024 Harvest moon coincides with a lunar eclipse, which takes place when the natural satellite is going through a full moon phase and has an annual frequency of four-to-seven times every year. 

Watch: Blue supermoon rises above South Korean capital Seoul

The partial lunar eclipse will occur with the supermoon on September 17 and will witness imperfect alignment of the sun, the Earth, and the moon. During this phase, the moon will pass through the umbra of Earth.

When will the supermoon appear in the sky?

The supermoon will be visible in the sky around 7 pm ET and the partial eclipse will start at 8:41 pm ET and last until just after midnight. The eclipse will reach its peak at 10:44 p.m. ET.

The astronomers and photographers are advised to use a standard smartphone and capture the supermoon by reducing exposure, zooming in to enlarge, disabling flash, and activating night mode.

(With inputs from agencies)