Blue Blood Moon 2018: A Rare Sight to Grace Skies on January 31

The duration of the total phase is 77 minutes when the the Moon's lower limb will appear much brighter than the dark upper limb.

Published: January 16, 2018 2:38 PM IST

By India.com Buzz Desk

Blue Blood Moon 2018: A Rare Sight to Grace Skies on January 31
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A total lunar eclipse called the super Blue Moon eclipse will occur this month. It will occur on January 31, 2018, and continue to small hours till February 1, the first time in over 150 years. The first eclipse of 2018 will already be underway for the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Eastern Europe as the Moon rises. It will visible for residents of north-western North America, the Pacific, Asia and Australia. US’s states like Alaska, Hawaii and northwestern country of Canada will be able to witness the eclipse from start to finish. However, for the rest of North and Central America, moonset will intervene.

The duration of the total phase is 77 minutes when the the Moon’s lower limb will appear much brighter than the dark upper limb. This super blue blood moon eclipse occurs when a supermoon, lunar eclipse and blue moon happen together at the same time. It is referred to as a blue moon as there is only one full moon per calendar month. As it will enter the Earth’s shadow, it will cause a lunar eclipse. No special equipment is required to view super blue blood moon eclipse, however, it would be helpful to have binoculars or a telescope for close viewing. Don’t forget your best camera for great pictures.

After this Blue Moon, the next one will pass through the Earth’s umbra on December 31, 2028, and, after that, on January 31, 2037. Both of these will be total lunar eclipses. On December 31, 2009, there was an eight percent partial eclipse on December 31, 2009. The last total eclipse of a Blue Moon happened on March 31, 1866.

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