Mid-Autumn Festival is here, but what is it?
Celebrated primarily in East and Southeast Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a tradition that dates back more than 3,000 years. Also known as the Moon Festival, it takes place when the moon is at its fullest, according to the lunar calendar, and is celebrated over three days. The festival is a time for families to reunite, give thanks for the harvest, pray for good fortune, and, of course, indulge in mooncakes! But what is the Mid-Autumn Festival really about? How did it all begin, and who celebrates it? Click through to find out the answers to these questions and more.
2024-09-16T14:16:02Z
Don't miss the upcoming Supermoon eclipse (the next one's in 2033)
If you live in North America, South America, Africa, or Europe, get ready to celebrate this tuesday with a dazzling Harvest Moon during a 'Supermoon Eclipse.' You’ll have the chance to see part of the moon’s surface obscured by Earth's shadow. It will also be a supermoon, as the moon reaches its closest point to earth in its 27-day elliptical orbit. This partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the US, with the peak occurring at 10:44 pm ET. After the eclipse reaches its peak, the moon will gradually exit Earth's shadow, concluding early Wednesday at approximately 12:47 am ET. Indeed, this is a spectacular year for stargazing. There will be plenty of opportunities to witness the universe's wonders. Advancements in astronomy mean many of the events are tracked, allowing scientists to determine ahead of time when celestial bodies may be visible from Earth. From meteor showers to supermoons, there are already plenty of special dates to mark on your calendar. While many of these events are visible to the naked eye, investing now in a good beginner telescope can greatly enhance your experience. For the best visibility, set yourself up to view the skies from a dark spot away from light pollution. To help you plan your year of stargazing, click on for the celestial events that you don't want to miss in the following months.
2024-01-10T12:06:51Z