Before sunrise on January 31st we will be treated to a special sight- a Super, Blue, Blood Moon! It is a Supermoon because the Moon will be full and close to perigee- its closest point to the Earth along its orbit. It is a Blue Moon because it is the second full Moon of the month. And lastly, it is a Blood Moon because it will be eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow. During a total lunar eclipse the Moon is not completely dark but is red due to our Earth’s atmosphere. Sunlight that slips through our air is scattered and only red light, the light of the Earth’s sunrises and sunsets, falls onto the Moon.
When to see it:
Partial eclipse begins: 4:48am
Total eclipse begins: 5:51am continues through Moonset at ~7:00am
The Moon will be setting in the northwest and will be close to the horizon during totality. For best viewing find a spot with nothing blocking the horizon. Good places include open spaces, parks, or elevated locations to see over houses. This is a great opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse without having to stay up late. Enjoy the Super, Blue, Blood Moon!
For more information:
Eclipse timing for Albuquerque: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/albuquerque
NASA videos about total lunar eclipses:
Clear Skies!
Misty Carty, Ph.D.