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In-Depth Photography Opportunities in North Carolina: September 2024
The Meat & Potatoes
September 2024 promises several fire-stoking celestial events, offering not only excellent photography opportunities, but all the more reason for adventuring across various North Carolina locales:
1. New Moon (September 3): Ideal for capturing faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters due to the dark skies.
2. Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation (September 5): Mercury will be visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise, making it a great target for early morning photography.
3. Saturn at Opposition (September 8): This is a prime time to photograph Saturn and its moons, as the planet will be at its closest approach to Earth.
4. Full Moon and Supermoon (September 18): Known as the Harvest Moon, this event will feature a partial lunar eclipse visible across most of North America, Europe, and Africa, providing a unique photographic opportunity.
5. Neptune at Opposition (September 20): A great time to photograph the distant blue planet, as it will be well-positioned for observation.
6. September Equinox (September 22): Marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere, offering beautiful landscape photography opportunities as the seasons change.
These events will offer a range of breathtaking photographic opportunities throughout the month for anyone willing to put in a little homework, with a love for adventure, and drive for that perfect photograph! Continue reading for a breakdown of each these events, including some of our favorite shooting locations and precise times for each event.
Following is an in-depth summary of the September 2024 photography opportunities in North Carolina:
As the crisp air of September 2024 envelops North Carolina, photography enthusiasts are in for a series of celestial treats, with a succession of extraordinary events painting the skies with wonder. From the tranquil darkness of a new moon to the opposite, vibrant glow of a supermoon, the heavens offer a dazzling array of opportunities for capturing the beauty of our great universe.
This month, photographers can journey through the state's scenic landscapes, from the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway to the serene shores of the Outer Banks, to immortalize these astronomical spectacles. Whether you're drawn to the enchanting rings of Saturn or the distant allure of Neptune, North Carolina's skies promise an unforgettable visual feast (and feast we shall on September's Harvest Supermoon! Don't forget to arm yourself with the PhotoPills app as you utilize this article to plan your shots this September!
New Moon (September 3):
In North Carolina, the new moon on September 3rd presents a great opportunity to photograph faint celestial objects. One ideal location would be from any of the beautiful pull-offs along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Around 10:00 PM on September 3rd, the skies will be exceptionally dark, perfect for capturing galaxies and star clusters. Photographers should position themselves at one of the many overlooks along the Parkway. The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is a prime spot, offering a panoramic view of the night sky.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation (September 5):
On the morning of September 5th, Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation, making it visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
A wonderful location to capture this event is the Outer Banks. From the shores of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Mercury will be visible low in the predawn sky. Photographers should arrive around 5:30 AM to set up and capture the planet rising over the Atlantic Ocean.
Saturn at Opposition (September 8):
Saturn will be at its closest approach to Earth on September 8th, making it a perfect time to photograph the ringed planet and its moons.
A great spot for this is Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak in the eastern United States. With minimal light pollution and a high vantage point, Saturn will be visible in the southern sky. Photographers should use a telescope or telephoto lens to capture detailed images of the planet and its rings. Also, considering that the park "officially" closes at 6pm, it will be necessary to have a campsite for the night, simply adding to the fun of the adventure.
Full Moon and Supermoon (September 18):
The full moon on September 18th, also known as the Harvest Moon (or in certain Native American circles, the Big Moon), will be a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual. Additionally on September 18, get ready for a celestial snack as the Moon nibbles its way through Earth's umbral shadow, serving up a partial lunar eclipse from 10:12 EST to 11:15 EST. With 3.5% of its surface shadow-bitten, the Moon will look like it's missing a cosmic cookie bite. This astronomical appetizer will be on display from Europe to Antarctica, and everywhere in between. And for an extra sprinkle of space magic, this full moon is the opening act for the fall equinox, making it a night to remember!
If you haven't heard, this is the time of year that the Chinese culture celebrates the Mooncake Festival (I believe we will be partaking in the mooncake eating and drinking of tea, most certainly!). It is also common tradition for celebraters to carry beautifully colored, bright lanterns or even send sky-lanterns floating up, towards the grand moon. The Cherokee tribes named this moon the "Nut Moon," marking the time of year when they collected ingredients for nut bread. It was also a period when Native Americans honored Mother Earth, expressing gratitude for her bountiful provision of food for her children.
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Outer Banks is an absolutely breathtaking site that a photographer should not miss out on. At around 7:00 PM, as the full moon ascends in the east, it should (weather permitting, of course) create a spectacular scene just behind the lighthouse. The addition of a partial lunar eclipse will lend a distinctive touch to any photograph made during this magical moon madness!
Neptune at Opposition (September 20):
Neptune will be well-positioned for observation and photography on September 20th. You can find this celestial jewel in the southeastern sky, making it very easy to spot just after sunset. It will be rising above the horizon in the late evening. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the constellation Aquarius, where Neptune resides.
A fantastic location for this is the Pisgah National Forest (Somewhere like Black Balsam Knob, with very little light pollution). With its high elevation and clear skies, the distant blue planet will be visible in the southeastern sky. Photographers should use a telescope to capture detailed images of Neptune.
September Equinox (September 22):
The September equinox marks the start of autumn in North Carolina, offering beautiful landscape photography opportunities.
One prime location is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The changing foliage will create stunning compositions as the leaves begin to turn. Photographers should explore areas like Clingmans Dome or Waterrock Knob for breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Concluding:
As September 2024 draws to a close, North Carolina's skies will have offered a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, each event a unique blend of cosmic wonder and natural beauty. The state's diverse landscapes, from the heights of Mount Mitchell to the delicate sands of Jockey's Ridge, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing these celestial phenomena. Whether it's the ethereal glow of the Harvest Moon or the subtle elegance of the September Equinox, photographers will leave this month with both stunning images and cherished memories. As autumn settles in, the allure of the heavens reminds us of the endless wonders waiting to be captured through the lens. Subscribe for more great content delivered straight to your inbox!
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