Calling all astronomy geeks!
Wednesday, Jan. 31 is set to be heavenly.
That’s because a “super blue blood moon” will come into view.
To see the “lunar trifecta” in the Cincinnati, you’ll want to set your alarm early.
If you miss this lunar eclipse, you’ll have to wait almost a year to see the next opportunity in North America.
What is this celestial triple threat?
A supermoon is a full moon that is closest in its orbit to the Earth. It looks bigger and brighter in the sky.
“The January 31st supermoon will also be the second full moon of the month. Some people call the second full moon in a month a Blue Moon, that makes it a super ‘Blue Moon,’ ” NASA said on its website.
“Blue Moons happen every two and a half years, on average. With the total eclipse, it’ll be a royal spectacle indeed: a ‘super blue blood’ Moon.”
Even better news, the best views will be from the western part of North America, Alaska or Hawaii.
Can one full moon be a blue moon, a blood moon and a supermoon all at once? Yes, and it happens Jan. 31. The best views will be from the western part of North America, Alaska or Hawaii. Find out more: https://t.co/dOLUdvUZkt pic.twitter.com/AjgCuWjAxy
— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) January 18, 2018
When can I see it?
In Cincinnati, the partial eclipse is set to begin at 6:48 a.m.
Here’s what the Cincinnati Observatory says:
“The Sun, Earth, and Moon will align and give us a lunar eclipse on January 31. From Cincinnati you can only see part of the Moon blocked by the Earth’s shadow that Wednesday morning, but a partial lunar eclipse is still an incredibly breathtaking sight. This is also the second full moon in a calendar month, thus making it a Blue Moon Eclipse!”
Tips for becoming a backyard astronomer:
- Just look up. You can see a ton with your naked eye. That list includes the Geminid Meteor Shower, Earth’s Moon, stars and more.
- Most important: a dark sky. This might be the most important tip. It is possible to catch a glimpse of a meteor or two from the suburbs. But to experience a true meteor shower, avoid city lights.
- Bring binoculars. You can see even more. Like the detail on our moon or a glimpse of Jupiter and its inner moons.
- Know your constellations. The Geminid meteors appear to come from the constellation Gemini. You can easily identify any of the constellations lighting up the night sky using apps like Sky Guide for Apple and Sky Map for Android.
- Dress appropriately. It can be chilly in the hours before dawn when you’re skywatching. So we suggest making sure you dress in layers. You might also bring a blanket and lawn chair to make yourself comfortable.
The post Here Are Some Tips For How To Watch The “Super Blue Blood Moon” appeared first on Cincy Weekend.
