GAINESVILLE - A phenomenon known as "three moons" will occur Sunday night and a special viewing will be held for the public on the University of North Georgia's Gainesville campus.
"Since it is the first Full Moon after the Autumnal Equinox on September 23, it is known as the Harvest Moon," according to Robert Webb, President of the North Georgia Astronomers Club. "Since it will be the closest Full Moon of the Year at just 221,000 miles away, it will be 14% larger and known as a Super Moon."
And, that's not all. A total eclipse of the Moon will also occur.
"...at 9:07 the Moon will begin to enter our Earth’s umbral shadow, the beginning of a Total Lunar Eclipse. By 10:11 the Moon will be totally in the dark shadow and it will stay there for 72 minutes."
Webb says this will be the last Total Lunar Ecllipse in this area until 2019.
"Everyone can enjoy this amazing astronomical event from a lawn chair in their own backyard. And unlike a Total Solar Eclipse, it is totally safe to view the entire event with your unprotected eyes."
Webb says if you'd like to view it with others, Elachee Nature Science Center is joining with University of North Georgia to host Sunday night's viewing on the Gainesville campus in Oakwood. A 12-inch telescope and some of Elachee’s smaller telescopes will be available to view not only the Moon, but also the stars and Saturn.
The event is free of charge and begins at sunset.
