Rare supermoon and partial eclipse combination to be visible across the UK tonight

17 September 2024, 19:31

A supermoon shines on April 27, 2021
A supermoon shines on April 27, 2021. Picture: Getty

By Henry Moore

A rare combination of a supermoon and a partial eclipse could be visible for many across the UK tonight.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Tonight marks the arrival of this month’s full moon, known as the Harvest Moon.

At the same time, a partial lunar eclipse is expected, which occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and moon and casts a shadow.

But how can you see this rare combination of two lunar events?

To spot the supermoon, which occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, it is best to look at the horizon before the sun fully sets.

Read more: Liverpool FC 'devastated' as life-long fan killed in Italy ahead of AC Milan match

That’s usually when the effects of a supermoon are most apparent.

The next supermoon is expected on October 17.

A solar eclipse pictured in Mexico City, Mexico
A solar eclipse pictured in Mexico City, Mexico. Picture: Getty
A supermoon shines over London
A supermoon shines over London. Picture: Getty

If you want to see the eclipse, however, expect a late night.

The partial eclipse is expected to be visible in the early hours of Wednesday morning, meaning you’ll need to stay up or set your alarms very early so as not to miss it.

This should be visible in the top right corner of tonight’s full moon, where a dark spot will indicate Earth’s shadow.

As with most night-sky viewing, you’ll be best placed to see the eclipse in a low-light area with little to no clouds in the sky.

Last Thursday, many Brits were treated to a view of the Northern Lights.

The Met Office said on social media: "You might want to look up at the sky tonight because there's the chance of seeing the aurora.

"Clear skies for most overnight will make for ideal viewing conditions, with sightings possible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Bianca Censori shares true feelings towards Kanye West's nude Grammys stunt

Landlords face £6k bill to meet higher energy efficiency standards on rental homes by 2030 under government plans

Landlords face £6k bill to meet higher energy efficiency standards on rental homes by 2030 under government plans

Pope Francis meets Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla Duchess of Cornwall at the Vatican on April 4, 2017.

King Charles and Queen Camilla to meet Pope Francis during state visit to Italy

A British couple was reportedly found dead by a neighbour in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

British couple found dead inside 'isolated' French villa in 'feared burglary gone wrong'

Exclusive
Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards' early to 'ease rush'

Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards early' to 'ease passenger rush'

b

Knife arches in schools are welcome - but who is going to pay for them?

James Evans, 19, left, and Justin Keeling (formerly Evans), 18, right, have admitted to starting a massive fire that sparked a mass evacuation.

Two teens admit starting huge fire that 'ripped residents out of homes' during summer riots

Inga Gehricke, five, went missing following a family barbecue in Germany back in 2015.

Police launch fresh search efforts for missing girl linked to prime Madeleine McCann suspect

v

School named after Prince Andrew set to rebrand to something less 'controversial'

The Princess Royal during a visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol to thank the team of doctors, nurses and health professionals who treated her following her accident in June 2024.

Princess Anne returns to the intensive care unit where she had treatment for head injuries

A utility firm has admitted its equipment started one of the LA fires last month.

California utility says its equipment likely sparked fire that raged through LA

Yusuf Kayat, 54, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been jailed for 20 years

Paedophile who plied girl, 10, with alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis before grooming her for sex with other men jailed

Salim Iskef, 29, was one of ten people killed by lone gunman Rickard Andersson, 35, at Orebro's Risbergska adult education centre on Tuesday.

Heartbreaking final words of Sweden mass shooting victim shared with mum and fiancé revealed

Exclusive
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media during a visit to Springfields (Preston Lab), National Nuclear Laboratory.

UK must make it harder to buy knives online to prevent repeat of Southport killings, PM tells LBC

UK resident comes forward to claim £83m EuroMillions jackpot

UK winner comes forward to claim £83.5million EuroMillions jackpot 13 days after draw

Cold Snap Brings Freezing Temperatures To Parts Of UK

Cold health alerts issued as temperatures set to plummet over weekend as the Beast from the East returns