SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The supermoon of January 31 will be the second full moon of the month.

Three celestial events that have not coincided in more than 150 years will affect the appearance of the next full moon on 31 January, an event which has been described as a super blue blood moon eclipse, something the experts say has not been seen in more than 150 years.

The 31 January supermoon will feature a total lunar eclipse. 

The orbit of the moon around earth is tilted, so it usually falls above or below the shadow of the Earth.

According to scientists from NASA, almost twice a year a full moon tends to be perfectly aligned with the earth and the sun causing the shadow of the earth to block the sun’s light, which would normally be reflected in the moon.

This means that in the above-mentioned areas, on 31 January, the moon will lose its brightness and acquire a mysterious glow, weaker than normal, mostly caused due to the scarce sunlight that crosses the earth’s atmosphere.

The reddish hue emitted, due to the way the atmosphere doubles the light, is why totally eclipsed moons are sometimes referred to as "blood moons".

Interestingly, the supermoon of 31 January will also be the second full moon of the month.

A super "blue Moon" is said to occur on 31 January.

“The lunar eclipse on 31 January will be visible in certain countries during moonset.

If you are fortunate enough to photograph the super blue moon on 31 January, do post your photographs on the Mossel Bay Advertiser facebook page.

ARTICLE: Phys.org

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