Once in a ‘super blue blood moon’
Astronomical event is a bit rare and hasn’t happened since 1866
Albuquerque’s early risers will have the chance to see a rare astronomical event just before dawn Wednesday morning.
What’s being called a “super blue blood moon” will start at 4:48 a.m. Jan. 31 as the moon sets and will peak at 6:30 a.m.
The event represents a trifecta of celestial occurrences: a blue moon, when there’s a second full moon in one month; a supermoon, when the moon is at or near the closest point to Earth in its orbit and thus appears larger; and a total lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth’s shadow is cast across the moon, making it appear a reddish color.
The last time all three happened together was in 1866.
“It might be quite a sight,” said Jim Greenhouse, space science director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
& Science in Albuquerque.
The next time all three events will occur at the same time will be in 2037, Greenhouse said.
During a supermoon, the moon appears around 14 percent larger. It’s difficult to notice the change in size unless the moon is on the horizon, where it can be compared to buildings, trees and other landmarks.
Luckily, Greenhouse said, Wednesday’s event will occur as the moon is setting, so viewers will likely be able to notice the size difference.
Rick Fienberg, an astronomer and press secretary for the American Astronomical Society, said the color seen during a “blood moon” — that is, during a lunar eclipse — is due to sunlight being refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere.
This bending of the light is what produces the colors of sunrises and sunsets.
“Generally, during a lunar eclipse, the moon looks sort of copper, like a penny,” Fienberg said.
Fienberg said that although two full moons will occur this month, February
won’t see any.
Wednesday’s will be the only eclipse of any kind visible to U.S. viewers this year.
Last August, millions of Americans were treated to a total solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon covers the Earth’s view of the sun.
While totality during a solar eclipse lasts just a few minutes, a lunar eclipse’s totality will last around an hour, Fienberg said.
The Observatory Deck at the museum will welcome those interested in seeing the spectacle from 5 to 7 a.m. The event will be canceled if the sky is cloudy. The museum is located at 1801 Mountain Road NW.
Telescopes will be on hand for guests to get a closer view.
If it’s not possible to make it to the museum that early in the morning, Greenhouse said all that’s needed is a good, low view of the western horizon.
Greenhouse suggested looking toward the Three Sisters Volcanoes.
“Since we’re having this eclipse event at 5 a.m. on a weekday, we are not charging any admission,” Greenhouse said. “You can wear your pajamas and have bedhead, if you don’t mind being seen in public like that. We won’t judge.”
The observation deck is outside, though, so be sure to wear a coat over your PJs.