Supermoon Elipse

by: Dave Flynn

This Sunday, September 27th, we will have a full eclipse of the moon.  This is an unusual eclipse in that it also takes place during a supermoon when the moon is closest to the earth in it's orbit during a full moon.  The supermoon has relatively little astronomical significance.  The moon will be slightly larger and slightly brighter.  This happens rather often, one in about every 14th full moon is a super moon.

Here in Santa Clarita we will likely have a special treat as we will be seeing an already partly elipsed moon rising.  We will likely see the "Harvest Moon" effect.  This is the illusion that the moon is huge as it rises above the horison.  Oddly enough this is not an optical effect but rather a mental illusion.  Try looking at the moon upside down and you will see it merely be the regular size.  It's all in your head.

Observers in eastern and central regions of North America will get to see the whole eclipse; those further west will see the moon rise already partially eclipsed. Observers in Europe and Africa will see the eclipse before dawn on Monday, September 28.
 
This brings up the question of dates and times, which often causes confusion. Even a usually reliable source like Canada’s Weather Network, got the date of this eclipse wrong.  In Santa Clarita the eclipse will take place on Sunday evening.  Really.

Eclipse observing time for Santa Clarita:

PDT
05:11:46  Moon enters penumbra
06:07:12  Moon enters outer edge of umbra

6:39:00 -----  Moonrise in Santa clarita -----

7:11:11  Moon completely in umbra
7:47:09  Mid-eclipse
8:23:07  Moon begins to emerge from umbra
9:27:06  Moon completely out of umbra
10:22:33  Moon leaves penumbra

The Local Group doesn't have any formal event planned for this however some of us are planning to head up to our Mt. Frazier observing location for the event but anywhere with a good eastern view should provide a great show.  Even in our heavily light poluted town it should be fine.