Here's how to best watch today's super blue blood moon
Ready yourself to witness a rare celestial treat today, a lunar event that hasn't happened in over 150 years. Today, starting 4:21pm IST, three lunar phenomena - blue moon, super moon and blood moon - will coincide, allowing people across the world to see the majestic super blue blood moon. Here's a low-down on everything about it and how you can enjoy the experience.
Blue moon, supermoon and blood moon explained
These are the three lunar events that make a super blue blood moon: Blue moon: The second full moon of a month, it happens approximately once in three years. Supermoon: When the moon is closest to Earth and appears 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. It happens once every 14 months. Blood moon: Occurs momentarily during lunar eclipse when the moon turns red.
It will be visible in the Indian sky between 4:21pm-7:37pm
For Indians, the super blue blood moon will be visible in the evening sky today, January 31, between 4:21pm and 7:37pm. People in the North-East will be able to watch it first, from 4:21pm to 5:18pm. The rest of the nation can witness it between 5:18pm-6:21pm. For those in Rajasthan and the west coast, the celestial occurring will last from 6:21pm to 7:37pm.
Other ways to enjoy watching the super blue blood moon
NASA TV will live stream the super blue blood moon occurrence. Moreover, SPACE India is organizing several events across cities to let stargazers have an enchanting experience. The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in Mumbai will also be holding an exclusive event.
The rare lunar event is important for researchers too
Researchers are as excited as stargazers about this coinciding of a supermoon, blue moon, and total lunar eclipse after 152 years. They are expecting to gather important information during the event which can help them know where to land a rover on the moon. The rare occurring will also allow them to study how the moon's surface reacts to quick changes in temperature.
