January 2018 is a month in which sky gazers have anticipated and will truly enjoy as the sky shows off with a Blue Moon, a total lunar eclipse, and a super moon all in the same month.
The sky began to show its’ splendor at the start of 2018 as the first full moon of the year ushered in New Year’s Day. This brightly lit moon stood aglow in the sky for a luminous show. Many were able to enjoy it since the skies were so clear.
With a Blue Moon, the moon isn’t actually blue, as some may think. It is a called a Blue Moon because of the rare occasion of two full moons happening in one month; thus comes the phrase, “once in a Blue Moon.”
This will occur on January 31, and usually happens every 2.7 years. Even rarer, another Blue Moon will occur in March 2018. The moon gets a break in February, as a full moon will not be on display.
On January 31, there will be a second full moon along with a lunar eclipse. The super moon will appear on January 30, which is a day before the full moon, but will then be closest to the earth.
A super moon takes place when the full moon reaches its’ closest point to earth. The view is spectacular as the super moon paints a sense of closeness across the earth.
Finally, on January 31, along with the super moon, comes the lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes into the earth’s shadow and are visible anywhere it is nighttime.
The moon will be 15,787 miles closer to the earth, 14 percent larger, and 30 percent brighter than usual. It will be blood-red in color, and some are calling this the Super Blue Blood Moon. Eastern North America will see it best in the early morning hours, but will be better viewed in the Western areas of North America.
Be sure to watch for these astronomical events, after all, they only happen once in a blue moon!
