The September 2024 supermoon eclipse, featuring a rare supermoon and partial lunar eclipse, dazzled viewers across the US, UK, Latin America, and beyond

Stargazers around the globe were treated to an extraordinary event on the night of September 17, 2024, as a rare supermoon coincided with a partial lunar eclipse. The September 2024 Supermoon Eclipse, witnessed from the US, UK, Latin America, Europe, and Africa, left spectators marvelling at the night sky.

A supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, causing it to appear larger and brighter than usual. This event, already a rare phenomenon, became even more special as Earth’s shadow partially covered the moon, creating a partial lunar eclipse. The eclipse itself saw Earth’s shadow gently obscuring the top right corner of the Moon, a subtle but captivating display that had observers in awe.

Though supermoons happen four times a year, the occurrence of a partial lunar eclipse in tandem with one is unusual. This made the event especially significant for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. The last time such an event took place was years ago, and the next partial lunar eclipse will not happen until August 2026. During the eclipse, about 96% of the Moon will be cast into Earth’s shadow, but for now, this 2024 spectacle gave a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.

Many spectators experienced the eclipse in prime viewing locations such as Scotland and Ireland, where skies were expected to be clear, offering an unobstructed view of the celestial phenomenon. Others, especially in parts of the US East and West Coasts, faced challenges due to cloud cover, though clear skies in the Midwest and Southwest offered a more favourable viewing experience.

Images from around the world captured the event in stunning clarity. In Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez, a couple snapped a photo of the supermoon just before the partial eclipse began. Meanwhile, in Dubai and Brasilia, the supermoon’s bright glow illuminated the night sky, showcasing the global reach of the September 2024 Supermoon Eclipse.

Stargazers who couldn’t view the event in person had the opportunity to tune in to live streams, allowing them to witness the supermoon eclipse from various vantage points across the globe. With expert commentary and real-time visuals, the event was accessible to millions worldwide, regardless of weather conditions or geography.

This celestial display left many counting the days until the next partial lunar eclipse, set to occur in two years, in what promises to be an even more dramatic event.

Analysis

Political: Astronomical events like the rare supermoon and partial lunar eclipse transcend borders and often bring together people from diverse political and social backgrounds. In many countries, governments and scientific organizations took the opportunity to encourage public interest in space exploration and astronomy. This rare event highlights how space policy can become a unifying topic, especially when scientific discoveries and rare celestial events attract widespread attention.

Countries like the United States, which has a strong presence in space exploration through NASA, used this moment to spotlight ongoing missions and inspire future generations of space scientists. In contrast, nations with fewer space resources, such as in parts of Latin America and Africa, capitalized on the public interest by promoting educational campaigns and encouraging participation in local science initiatives.

The rare supermoon eclipse also provided a momentary respite from global political tensions, as people across the world united in appreciation of the wonders of the universe, reinforcing the value of scientific diplomacy and cooperation in tackling larger, shared challenges like space research and climate change.

Social: The supermoon partial eclipse brought people together across social divides, illustrating how natural phenomena can become powerful social events. In an increasingly digitally connected world, these moments invite people to share their experiences across social media platforms, creating a global conversation that transcends national or cultural boundaries. Pictures of the eclipse flooded social networks, connecting people with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

Social gatherings for viewing the eclipse, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, where clear skies provided excellent viewing conditions, also encouraged a sense of community. Observatories, science centres, and public parks became common gathering places, where enthusiasts and casual viewers alike could watch the event together.

The eclipse served as a reminder of the importance of public access to science and nature, showing how shared experiences can foster curiosity and learning. For many, it was a moment to escape the routines of daily life and look up, reinforcing the idea that such events have a cultural value that goes beyond just the scientific.

Gender: Astronomy and space science have traditionally been male-dominated fields, but the growing visibility of women in space research and public engagement has transformed how these events are experienced. The supermoon eclipse offered an opportunity to continue challenging these gender norms by promoting inclusive participation in science and encouraging young women to take an interest in astronomy.

Events like this partial eclipse serve as a platform for promoting the work of female astronomers, highlighting the contributions of women to scientific discovery. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) outreach programs associated with the eclipse could help inspire more girls to pursue careers in science and space, bridging the gender gap that still exists in these fields.

Racial: While astronomy is a universal science, access to astronomical education and resources is not evenly distributed across racial and ethnic lines. In communities with fewer educational resources or limited access to observatories and telescopes, these events often pass unnoticed. However, the live streaming and global participation in the supermoon eclipse helped to democratize access to the event, allowing more people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to experience the wonder of the universe.

In regions where Indigenous cultures place significant importance on celestial bodies, such as parts of Latin America and Africa, the eclipse may have held additional cultural significance. For Indigenous groups, the moon and the stars often play a central role in traditional cosmologies and spiritual practices, and events like this can be moments of cultural reflection as much as scientific curiosity.

Economic: Astronomical events like the supermoon eclipse can also have an economic impact, especially on tourism and the entertainment industry. Countries and regions that enjoy clear skies for these events often see an influx of visitors to observatories and viewing spots, benefiting local businesses and encouraging science-based tourism.

In the case of this particular eclipse, the use of live streaming allowed for broader access, but also showcased the potential for monetization of virtual experiences. While the event was free to watch, such phenomena increasingly became part of online content strategies for media outlets and social platforms, further highlighting the economic opportunities tied to celestial events.