Partial lunar eclipse of PNW's super full harvest moon Tuesday: Here's what you need to know

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A partial lunar eclipse will overcome Tuesday's super harvest moon over the Pacific Northwest.

A partial lunar eclipse means that a portion of the full moon will be covered by the Earth's shadow Tuesday evening.

September's moon is also known as the harvest moon. The Old Farmer's Almanac states that the full moon that's closest to the autumn equinox is given this name. In fact, the harvest moon could fall in October compared to September, and in those cases, September's full moon is known as the corn moon.

Tuesday's moon is also a supermoon due to its closer orbital path to Earth this month. That's where the moon appears slightly bigger and brighter in the night sky.

This rare combination of the supermoon, harvest moon, and partial eclipse makes September's full moon a sight to see. The partial eclipse will begin around 4:40 p.m. in the afternoon Tuesday, September 17, 2024. According to NASA, only 8.4% of the top of the moon will be covered by the Earth's shadow. That occurs around 7:44 p.m.

This could be difficult for some sky gazers to see around the Portland area due to proximity to sunset at 7:16 p.m. and the wet weather that's expected to be overhead.

Clouds and rain will make it nearly impossible for most of Oregon and Washington to see this rare astronomical event.