UAE residents to observe Harvest Super Moon

Residents and visitors to the United Arab Emirates have a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial phenomenon – the Harvest Super Moon. This majestic spectacle will light up the night sky over the Emirates tonight, 18 September 2024.

Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) is organising a special event to mark the occasion. From 19:00 to 21:00 at the University of Dubai, DAG staff will give fascinating lectures and organise telescope observations of the Harvest Super Moon. Everyone will be able to enjoy a mesmerising view of the full moon, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.

As explained by the director general of Dubai Astronomy Group, a super moon occurs when a full or new moon coincides with the moment when the moon is closest to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. This rare astronomical phenomenon makes the lunar disc appear larger than usual.

A special feature of the current super moon is its coincidence with a partial lunar eclipse that has already occurred this morning. During this eclipse, part of the Moon passes through the Earth’s umbral shadow, giving it a mesmerising reddish hue. This time, however, the Moon has only passed through part of the umbra, while the rest of it will be covered by our planet’s penumbra.

This majestic celestial spectacle will be fully visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa and parts of Asia.

Source: Gulf News