A rare lunar trilogy to occur on 31 January; to witness Supermoon, Blue moon, lunar eclipse
On 31 January 2018, a rare lunar trilogy will occur. A Supermoon, Blue moon and a lunar eclipse will occur simultaneously.
This lunar event is significant since it is happening after 150 years. Such a celestial event last took place in 1866.
The moon rotates in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. When it comes
partially in the shadow of the Earth, it is known as the penumbral
phase. Soon when it comes completely in the shadow of the Earth it is
known as the umbral phase.
When the moon comes in the shadow of the Earth it is called a lunar eclipse.
This is followed by the Supermoon.
When the moon is closest to the earth, which is also known as its
perigee point, it is called the Supermoon.
Lastly, when the sun, moon, and the earth come in a straight line, it is known as full moon. Now, when two full moons happen in a gap of 29.5 days, that is, in one month, it is known as Blue Moon.
In 2018, one full moon had occurred
on 1 January and the next is slotted to be on 31 January. Hence, on 31
January, along with the lunar eclipse, Supermoon, a Blue moon will also
occur.
Since the lunar event is expected to happen during the evening, the moon will not go into complete darkness, rather the light will be scattered and may appear reddish. Hence the name Blood Moon, for the way the moon will look on 31 January. (Via FirstPost)
This lunar event is significant since it is happening after 150 years. Such a celestial event last took place in 1866.
When the moon comes in the shadow of the Earth it is called a lunar eclipse.
Lastly, when the sun, moon, and the earth come in a straight line, it is known as full moon. Now, when two full moons happen in a gap of 29.5 days, that is, in one month, it is known as Blue Moon.
Since the lunar event is expected to happen during the evening, the moon will not go into complete darkness, rather the light will be scattered and may appear reddish. Hence the name Blood Moon, for the way the moon will look on 31 January. (Via FirstPost)
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