The last few months has been absolutely amazing for sky-watchers, with supermoons, a blood moon, and a blue moon.
On January 31st, we will also be treated to a very special sight – a super blue blood moon – something which we haven’t seen for 150 years.
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Each of these phenomenons on their own are slightly more common, though. Here’s what they look like and how to spot them.
Blue moon
A blue moon usually refers to the second full moon in a single month.
This January, we’ve already had a full moon on New Year’s Day, so the one occurring on the 31st will be a blue moon.
This definition was actually a mistake made by amateur astronomer James Hugh Pruett, who called it the second in a month in an article written for Sky and Telescope Magazine in 1946. It was an error, but it is now considered the second definition of blue moon.
The first is a bit more complicated, referring to the third full moon in an astronomical season with four full moons (compared to the usual three).
As mentioned, this month will have a blue moon. The next will be on March 31st 2018, and the one following that won’t be until October 31st 2020.
Super moon
A super moon is a phenomena whereby the moon looks around 14% bigger and 30% brighter than your average full moon.
This occurs because the moon actually orbits the earth in an an oval shape. Every 29.5 days it reaches something called a perigee, which is when it is closest to the earth.
A super moon is when this perigee is at the same time as a full moon, which it has been for the last few full moons, and will be again on the 31st January.
The best times to see super moons are at sunset and sunrise, when the moon is closer on the horizon. This makes it look even bigger, and is called the ‘moon illusion’.
The next times to see a super moon from the UK are:
- Monday 21st January 2019
- Tuesday 19th February 2019
- Monday 9th March 2020
- Wednesday 8th April 2020
Blood moon
A blood moon refers to a lunar eclipse.
This is when the moon passes directly behind the earth into its umbra (shadow). This occurs only when the sun, earth, and moon are aligned.
Because of this, it gives the effect of a reddish-orange colour on the moon, which is why they call it a blood moon.
A total lunar eclipse happens up to twice a year usually, but can’t always be seen if the eclipse occurs during the day in your part of the world.
The blood moon on the 31st January will not be able to be seen from Britain as it passes behind its umbra during our lunchtime, but will be visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific Ocean, and the West Coat of North America
The next visible blood moon in the UK will be on July 27th 2018.
Super blood moon
Combining the larger size and brightness of a super moon and the colour of a blood moon will create a super blood moon.
These are quite outstanding to see – in particular as this one is also a blue moon and all three of these haven’t been witnessed for 150 years.
More: World
It will be many years before we see this combination again, so it’s not to be missed. If you’re in the UK and want to witness it, sign up to Slooh who are live streaming it.
You can do so on January 31st, at around 1.30pm GMT.
MORE: When is the super blue moon and how to see the lunar eclipse?
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