Best ‘Supermoon’ of 2024? Pray for Clear Montana Skies
I've always found the Harvest Moon extra special.
It's a marker of the changing seasons. A chance to savor the clarity of a smoke-free Montana sky when you're still in a t-shirt, or maybe a hoodie, on a mild evening, especially when it doesn't fall too late on the calendar.
A Harvest Moon can give you a sense of accomplishment. A summer of work (and play) well spent. Or, if your romance sparked this time of the year, an excuse to play Neil Young's classic and spark fond memories.
When we were lovers, I loved you with all my heart.
But now it's gettin' late, and the moon is climbing high.
I want to celebrate, see it shinin' in your eye…" -Neil Young, "Harvest Moon"
But this time around, the Harvest Moon is even better if we can keep the clouds out of the way.
Why is this year's Harvest Moon unique?
According to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, the Harvest Moon that rises on Tuesday, September 17th (in the U.S.) will also be the second of four "supermoons", when the moon reaches "full" when it's within 90% of the closest approach to Earth. (2023's last supermoon was also the Harvest Moon).
There's more bang for your "big moon buck" this year, because there will also be a partial eclipse at the same time, adding some extra celestial drama.
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The timing is perfect for Montana
This Super/Harvest/Eclipse moon will hit "peak illumination" at 8:34 pm Mountain Time, which is just under an hour after sunset in Missoula at 7:42 pm.
The partial eclipse, when the Earth's shadow covers part of the moon, will happen about 10 minutes after that peak illumination at 8:44 pm. In theory, that should create a nice, orange glow with some shadow enhancement for the show.
If you have an adjustable camera or can change your phone settings, remember to set your white balance to "daylight" (that's the sun's reflection up there), and back off the exposure so you just don't end up with the "white dot" look.
If you're close to the west-facing ranges like the Mission Mountains, and the Sapphires, you might want to move a few miles west, since the horizon can delay the moonrise.
Sadly, the weather might not cooperate
At this point, the forecast isn't looking too favorable for the show in Western Montana, with clouds and showers in the outlook. There is a chance for some partial clearing that evening.