Image Courtesy: Scott Taylor

Super Blue Blood Moon - January 31, 2018

By Michael Karow @yourmetmichael January 22, 2018 11:49 am CST

Not since March 31, 1866 has it happened...a total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) coinciding with a "Blue Moon," or the second full moon of the month. This "Blue Blood Moon” will be visible across a large portion of the United States and Canada during the early morning hours of January 31, 2018. Furthermore, the moon will be approximately near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit around January 31, so the moon will appear 14% larger than normal (a Supermoon).

Visibility of the January 2018 Super Blue Blood Moon Across the Globe - Courtesy: Fred Espenak


Across eastern North America, the Super Blue Blood Moon will be harder to see, as the total eclipse phase will occur when the moon is just about to set in the western sky near daybreak on January 31st. In these areas, a clear view of a flat, western horizon, ideally from an elevated point, will be the best way to view this celestial event.

West of the Mississippi River Valley Region, the moon will be higher in the sky and for a longer duration during the Blood Moon phase. The West Coast of the United States, as well as points across Northwest Canada, Alaska, and into the Pacific will have the best viewing, provided sky conditions are clear.

Check back to weatherology.com for the latest weather forecasts as we get closer to this rare celestial event!

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