How to See the First Eclipse of a Blue Moon in 150 Years
January 31st will bring a celestial event known as the blue moon, an event that occurs every two to three years. While this blue moon is interesting on its own, the real kicker is the first lunar eclipse of a blue moon in nearly 150 years . Did we mention it’s also a supermoon ? Here’s where you can watch it (and why the moon isn’t actually blue).
The real blue moon is unpredictable
In this case, the blue moon has nothing to do with its color, but only has time. There are usually 12 full moons a year, with the 13th “blue moon” appearing as the third of four full moons in one season, occurring on average every two to three years. However, the combination of a blue moon and an eclipse is quite rare. The last total eclipse involving a blue moon occurred on March 31, 1866.
Want to see a really blue moon? You will have to wait for a certain set of unpredictable circumstances, usually associated with volcanic eruptions or massive forest fires that release dust and smoke particles into the atmosphere. Depending on the size of the particles, the moon can sometimes appear blue, although more often it appears reddish.
How to look outside
Once outside on January 31st, you won’t be able to see the lunar eclipse. The easternmost portion of North America and most of South America will catch the end of an eclipse when the Moon sinks below the horizon at 6:48 am ET. Sorry East Coasts, but the lunar eclipse will be easiest to see across the country.
If you want to get a good view of the blue moon eclipse, you will have to travel to the eastern hemisphere of the planet and choose a location somewhere in Australia, New Zealand or East Asia. If you’d rather see it in one of America’s 50 states, you can choose between Alaska or Hawaii (Northwest Canada is also an option if you like). You can take a look at NASA’s lunar eclipse map to see where you can best see a lunar eclipse, and where you are guaranteed to miss it entirely.
How to watch at home
I don’t blame you for wanting to stay home during the cold winter months, but you should still try to get a glimpse of this literal once-in-a-lifetime event, even if it happens through your computer screen. You can watch a live stream of the upcoming eclipse thanks to The Virtual Telescope Project or Slooh’s robotic telescope streaming service. No matter where you are, the moment to appreciate the rare sighting of a lunar eclipse in the form of a blue supermoon should be on your to-do list for 2018.
The first total lunar eclipse of the Blue Moon in 150 years will occur this month | Space