By Rod Hill on 2015-09-27
I expect clear skies for Sunday evening's full, "SUPER" moon and total Lunar Eclipse. The so-called Harvest Moon will be the closet full moon to earth of 2015, making it a "SUPER" moon. At the satellite's closet point, the moon will be 221,753 miles from Earth. The close proximetry will make the moon appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. Look for the moon rise in the eastern sky at 6:55 pm.
The added bonus Sunday night will be a total Lunar Eclipse. Between 7:11 and 8:21 pm, the moon will be completely in the dark shadow of the Earth. The moon will likely have a reddish glow, as light from Earth's sunrise and sunsets illuminate the moon. Lunar Eclipses are safe to view. In fact a standard pair of binoculars will enhance viewing.
Rod Hill, with special thanks to Jim Todd, OMSI Director of Space Science Education.
Perseid Meteor Shower Peak Viewing Tonight