MANILA, Philippines - January 31, 2018 brings a lunar trifecta: the super blue blood moon!
The phenomenon is special for three reasons: it is the third in a series of “supermoons,” when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit -- known as perigee -- and about 14 percent brighter than usual. It’s also the second full moon of the month, commonly known as a “blue moon.” The super blue moon will pass through Earth’s shadow to give viewers in the right location a total lunar eclipse. While the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow it will take on a reddish tint, known as a “blood moon.
LOOK: Stunning photos of the rare 'super blue blood moon'
State weather bureau PAGASA on their website confirmed that the Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in the Philippines. "It is visible from western South America, North America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, eastern Africa, eastern Europe, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean."
LIVESTREAM: The'Super blue blood moon' graces PH skies
The phenomenon is special for three reasons: it is the third in a series of “supermoons,” when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit -- known as perigee -- and about 14 percent brighter than usual. It’s also the second full moon of the month, commonly known as a “blue moon.” The super blue moon will pass through Earth’s shadow to give viewers in the right location a total lunar eclipse. While the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow it will take on a reddish tint, known as a “blood moon.
LOOK: Stunning photos of the rare 'super blue blood moon'
State weather bureau PAGASA on their website confirmed that the Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in the Philippines. "It is visible from western South America, North America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, eastern Africa, eastern Europe, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean."
LIVESTREAM: The'Super blue blood moon' graces PH skies
The eclipse will begin at 6:49 PM Philippine Standard Time (PST) and will end at 12:09 AM (PST) Feb 1.
In Manila, the Moon will rise at 5:42 PM on 31 January and will set at 6:47 AM on 1 February. The major phases of the eclipse are as follows:
| Phase | Time |
|---|---|
| Penumbral eclipse begins: | 6:49 PM (PST) (Jan 31) |
| Partial eclipse begins: | 7:48 PM (PST) (Jan 31) |
| Greatest eclipse: | 9:29 PM (PST) (Jan 31) |
| Partial eclipse ends: | 11:11 PM (PST) (Jan 31) |
| Penumbral eclipse ends: | 12:09 AM (PST) (Feb 1) |
 |
| The moonset times of total lunar eclipse in the United States | Photo Courtesy NASA |
PAGASA said Lunar eclipses are safe to watch and observers need not use any kind of protective filters for the eyes. A binocular or telescope will help magnify the view and will make the red coloration of the Moon brighter.
Meanwhile, a Blue Moon will light the sky on January 31 at 9:27 PM (PST). Since the lunar cycle is 29 days and most months have 30-31 days, we eventually find a situation where a full moon occurs at the beginning and end of the same month.
The phrase has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon, although a literal "blue moon" (the moon appearing with a tinge of blue) may occur in certain atmospheric conditions; e.g., when there are volcanic eruptions or when exceptionally large fires leave particles in the atmosphere.
An astrologer Richard Nolle coined the term supermoon over 30 years ago, but now many in astronomy use it as well. Richard Nolle’s definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within about 361,000 kilometers (224,000 miles) of our planet, as measured from the centers of the moon and the Earth, in order to be considered a supermoon.
On January 31 at 9:27 PM PST, full moon distance will be 360,199 km.
Excited to watch the rare 'super blue blood moon'? Tell us in the comments.
— The Summit Express
