What is the special moon tonight called? It’s the Super Blue Blood Moon, a celestial event that occurs when a full moon coincides with a blue moon and a supermoon. This rare phenomenon has sparked excitement and curiosity among stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve into the details of this extraordinary night sky spectacle.
The Super Blue Blood Moon is a combination of three separate astronomical events. First, the term “Supermoon” refers to a full moon that is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This effect is caused by the moon’s elliptical orbit, which takes it from a point about 229,000 miles (367,000 kilometers) away at its farthest point to about 225,623 miles (363,300 kilometers) at its closest point.
Second, a “Blue Moon” is a full moon that occurs four times in a calendar year, with the third one being the one we’re talking about. This is a rare occurrence, as typically, a year has only three full moons. The term “Blue Moon” has nothing to do with the moon’s color but rather its position in the calendar.
Lastly, the “Blood Moon” refers to the moon’s reddish hue, which occurs when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow during a lunar eclipse. This phenomenon is called a “total lunar eclipse,” and it happens when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon’s surface. As the moon moves through the Earth’s shadow, it takes on a reddish color, resembling blood.
The Super Blue Blood Moon is a rare event, with the last one occurring in 1866 and the next one not expected until 2037. This means that those who witness this celestial event are truly fortunate to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As the night unfolds, skywatchers can look forward to seeing the Super Blue Blood Moon in its full glory. The best time to view the event will be during the lunar eclipse, which will begin at around 10:11 p.m. ET on January 31, 2018, and end at approximately 12:07 a.m. ET on February 1, 2018. The total lunar eclipse will last for about 1 hour and 43 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.
So, what is the special moon tonight called? It’s the Super Blue Blood Moon, a celestial event that promises to be a sight to behold for those who take the time to gaze up at the night sky. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the beauty and mystery of our universe.
