On January 31st, weather permitting, we will witness 3 heavenly events at once. That hasn’t happened in 150 years. We’ll see a super blue moon, i.e. a blue moon, a supermoon, and a total lunar eclipse all at once.

 

This supermoon will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual because it will be in perigee, or at it’s closest in its oblong orbit of the Earth.

Super Moon ScienceAtNASA via Youtube
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A blue moon is the second full moon in the same month.

 

The 3rd part of this rare occurrence will be the total lunar eclipse or blood moon when the Earth is between the Sun and the moon. At that time, the angle of the sun’s rays filter the blue spectrum, enhancing the red/orange rays.

Optimum viewing of this event will be in Asia, Australia and… WESTERN NORTH AMERICA! This celestial spectacle will happen during moonrise, early, before sunrise on Wednesday, January 31st.

ScienceAt NASA via Youtube
ScienceAt NASA via Youtube
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The timing for those on the east coast will be muted by the sunrise. Sucks to be them. Those in California and the Hawaiian Islands get the full show.

In Wyoming, the peak timing will be at 6:29 am, while our local sunrise will be at 7:11 am. We are gaining about 2 minutes of daylight each day at this time of year.

“In the Rocky Mountain region, the show begins as the umbra touches the edge of the Moon at 4:48 a.m. MST. The peak of the blood moon eclipse is at about 6:30 a.m. local time, and the Moon will set shortly after 7 a.m.”

For the best view, go to a high place with a clear view to the west.

“If you’re not able to view the Jan. 31 eclipse in your area, a live feed will be offered on NASA TV and NASA.gov/live. And you can follow the eclipse on @NASAMoon.”

Hope for clear skies and enjoy.

Here is an excellent comprehensive overview from NASA.

 

Additional information at moon.nasa.gov.

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