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Early in the morning, the supermoon will be partially obscured by the Earth’s shadow – the partial lunar eclipse can be seen in Germany. What you need to bear in mind.
Frankfurt – During a lunar eclipse, the shadow that the earth casts into space covers the full moon completely or partially. This phenomenon, in which the sun, earth and moon must be in a precise line, occurs several times a year – it is just not always visible in the same places. The partial lunar eclipse that takes place on September 18th can be seen in Germany – but very early in the morning. When, how and where you can watch the celestial spectacle.
Only for early risers: Partial lunar eclipse and supermoon in the sky tonight
One thing is certain: If you want to observe the partial lunar eclipse tonight (September 18th), you will have to get up very early. The best visible part of the “Mofi”, the partial covering of the moon by the Earth’s shadow, begins at 4:12 a.m. with the first “touch” of the moon’s disk by the Earth’s umbra. From this moment on, things move quickly: the shadow moves further and further across the moon – until the maximum eclipse is reached at 4:44 a.m. If you don’t want to leave your bed at this time, you can also watch the lunar eclipse via live stream.
Partial lunar eclipse tonight: Full moon will only be covered by about nine percent
The moon is only covered by about nine percent – but the partial lunar eclipse on September 18th is a wonderful example of the mechanisms at work in the solar system and that the earth is only a small part of a larger whole. If you want to experience some of the fundamental realities of our solar system first hand, you should watch a lunar or solar eclipse and see for yourself what is happening right before your eyes.
The moon – one celestial body, many facets
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But back to the partial lunar eclipse on September 18th: From 4.44 a.m. the moon’s coverage slowly decreases again and by 5.15 a.m. the Earth’s umbra will reveal the full moon again. However, the Earth’s penumbra will still be on the moon’s disk. It will move over the moon at 2.39 a.m., but it is difficult to see with the naked eye as it is only a light gray veil. However, this gray veil will be history again at 6.47 a.m. – the partial lunar eclipse will end. About half an hour later the moon will set.
During the partial lunar eclipse, the full moon is in the western sky
To observe the partial lunar eclipse, you should look west early in the morning. There, the full moon and the ringed planet Saturn will be well above the horizon, and will continue to move downward during the “Mofi”. The lunar eclipse can be easily observed with the naked eye, but you can see the details much better with binoculars or a telescope.
Lunar eclipse with supermoon: Full moon appears larger than usual tonight
The full moon may appear larger than normal during the partial lunar eclipse. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, there is a supermoon in September, which is much closer to the Earth than usual. This can make the moon appear much larger and brighter. Then there is the lunar illusion, which makes the moon appear larger whenever it is low above the horizon. The view of the moon during the partial lunar eclipse on September 18 could be spectacular.
During a partial lunar eclipse, only a part of the “lunar disk” is “nibbled away” by the Earth’s shadow. (Archive image) © IMAGO/Axel Kaste
Because of the complicated celestial mechanics, a solar eclipse always follows two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse. On October 2, 2024, it will happen again: an annular solar eclipse will then be visible in the sky – but almost only over the Pacific. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too long until the next total lunar eclipse over Germany: on March 14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will take place, which will only be partially visible in Germany. Half a year later, however, on September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse can also be admired in Germany. (tab)