The Supermoon on Mid-Autumn Night will be the last opportunity this year to witness the Moon in a mystical orange hue and gigantic size.
According to NASA, the full moon in September marks the continuation of a series of four stunning supermoons in 2024 (in the months of August, September, October, and November). This occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, allowing us to see this celestial body larger than usual.
Additionally, in some locations around the world at certain times, the Mid-Autumn Supermoon may appear with a fiery orange color or exhibit a penumbral lunar eclipse.
Supermoon on the Full Moon Night of August 2024 as seen from Ho Chi Minh City, with over 99% roundness similar to what you’ll see on Mid-Autumn Night, September 17 – (Photo: ANH THƯ)
According to Time and Date, in Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Supermoon will reach perfect fullness at 9:34 AM on September 18.
Thus, both nights, September 17 (Mid-Autumn Night) and September 18, are favorable for viewing the supermoon at its most beautiful state.
On Mid-Autumn Night, September 17, the supermoon will be about 99% full. You probably won’t notice the difference from a perfectly full moon with the naked eye.
September 2023 Full Moon with an orange hue from Indiana, USA – (Photo: SPACE.COM).
However, if you have astronomical observation equipment or a suitable camera to capture the craters on the celestial body, you may see a slight shadow covering some craters on the left edge of the hemisphere facing Earth.
Mid-Autumn Night and the days following are also opportunities to observe the last fiery orange supermoon of the year.
The moon typically hangs lower in the summer, leading to the need to observe it through a thick layer of atmosphere in the early evening, which makes the moon appear larger and more orange than usual.
This phenomenon is known as the “Moon Illusion”, rather than the moon changing color.
This illusion can occur at other times of the year as well; however, the summer atmosphere is often more polluted, especially in areas affected by wildfire smoke.
This, combined with the moon rising when it is still low, causes the moon in the months of May, June, July, August, and September to often appear more orange than usual, with the deepest orange typically occurring in August.
As the moon rises higher near midnight, it gradually regains its true color.
Therefore, if you want to observe the most beautiful Mid-Autumn orange supermoon, you should hope for good weather in the early evening.
Furthermore, much of the Americas, all of Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia will be able to observe a special phenomenon known as “penumbral lunar eclipse” from 7:41 AM to 11:47 AM on September 18, Vietnam time.
Of course, we will not be able to see this phenomenon, as it will be morning in Vietnam at that time.
A penumbral lunar eclipse differs significantly from a blood moon (total lunar eclipse). Observers in the aforementioned areas will only see a mysterious shadow gliding across the moon for several hours.
For people around the world, there will still be opportunities to witness the supermoon if you miss this occasion. In 2024, there will be two more supermoons in October and November, with the October supermoon being the largest of the year.
However, during these two months, the moon will regain its bright color, except for a brief period right after rising when it may take on a light pink-orange hue.
