Three lunar phenomena to occur simultaneously on January 31
In a rare event, the three phenomena of super moon, blue moon, and total lunar eclipse will occur simultaneously on January 31, 2018. This rare celestial spectacle last happened about 150 years ago on March 31, 1866. For starters, the moon will go into a total lunar eclipse by 6:21 pm and come out of it at 7:37 pm.
What is super moon and blue moon?
Super moon refers to a full moon which is at its closest point to the Earth, making it 14% brighter than usual. Further, Blue moon is when two full moons occur in the same calendar month, which only happens every 2.5 years on an average.
Astronomy enthusiasts can enjoy the event at Kerala's Priyadarshini Planetarium
To provide astronomy enthusiasts with an optimum experience, Kerala's Priyadarshini Planetarium inside the state's Science and Technology Museum (KSSTM) is preparing for holding a viewing of the event. The planetarium will have telescopes for viewing the moon and it will host awareness sessions with an astrophysicist. It will also provide snacks at sunset, after which the moon will be observed.
Moon in the Earth's shadow is called blood moon
"While the moon is in the earth's shadow it will take on a reddish tint, known as a 'blood moon'," Gordon Johnston, program executive and lunar blogger at NASA headquarters in Washington, said in a statement.
