Astronomy blog

Not your normal Blue Moon

By Dave Samuhel, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

1/29/2018, 4:42:25 PM

Share this article:

The second full moon of the month is almost here! It is not just a “blue moon” but also a supermoon. Lunar perigee is early Tuesday morning. Therefore, the moon will be close enough to Earth in its orbit to be deemed a supermoon. Granted, the full moon on Jan. 1 was bigger and brighter.

So, we have a blue moon and a supermoon......BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! A full lunar eclipse will occur Wednesday as well! The moon, while fully eclipsed, is referred to as a "blood moon" since it appears to be dark red in color. Unfortunately, the East Coast of the U.S. will miss out on the total eclipse. But, most of the country, mainly west of the Mississippi River, will see a total eclipse. There has not been a blue blood supermoon over North America since 1866. Read more in AccuWeather Astronomy's Brian Lada's article.

THE TOTAL ECLIPSE WILL BEGIN AT 7:52AM EST (4:52 AM PST) WEDNESDAY AND IT WILL END AT 9:08 AM EST (6:08 AM PST)

Ok, so where will be eclipse be visible? The East Coast will not see the total phase of the eclipse. But, the outer shadow of the Earth will dim the moon slightly before it sets. You basically have to be in the central time zone, or further west to see any of the total eclipse. For global eclipse coverage, check the official map from NASA here.

In the dark green shaded areas, the moon will still be eclipsed while setting. in the lighter green shaded areas, the entire total eclipse will be visible before the moon sets.

Only the Rockies and West Coast will have the entire eclipse occur before moonset. The entire eclipse will be visible across the Pacific through eastern Asia.

Eclipse Viewing Conditions

The latest forecast for sky cover (clouds) at the time of the eclipse. This graphic will automatically refresh with the latest forecast conditions.

After a busy start to the week, the midweek weather pattern looks to feature quieter weather. There will still be some cloud issues across North America. However, most locations have a shot at clear skies. Alaska (not visible on graphic) should be clear, but bitterly cold. A cold front will threaten Hawaii with clouds.

Eastern Hemisphere Viewing

Australia

Here is a forecast of cloud cover around the start of the total eclipse. This is a computer model. It is likely showing too much cloud cover across Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Asia

Asia (south view)

If you miss this moon, just wait until March. That month will also feature two full moons! However, neither will be "super" or feature an eclipse.

Not too many things are free anymore; however, looking at the night sky is still one of those things. Thanks for reading! Just look up, you never know what you will see.

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

Comments

Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.

Astronomy blog

Beautiful crescent moon shots, and even one of Venus

Astronomy blog - October 16, 2018, 6:29:42 PM EDT

Check out these recent views of the moon from out AccuWeather Astronomy Facebook friends. Also, Venus does not look like you might think. A look ahead to the Orionid meteor shower
First fall meteor shower

Astronomy blog - October 04, 2018, 5:00:42 PM EDT

The Draconids kick off the fall meteor shower season. This meteor shower could surprise us with a good showing Monday night.
The Full Harvest Moon is tonight

Astronomy blog - September 24, 2018, 6:08:47 PM EDT

One of the most popular full moons of the year is tonight! Check your viewing conditions.
Moon dominates night sky

Astronomy blog - September 19, 2018, 6:07:04 PM EDT

The moon will shine brightly over the next week or so. But, you can still see bright planets; one of which will be at its brightest.
Jupiter's blue spot, looking for Neptune

Astronomy blog - September 06, 2018, 6:43:38 PM EDT

The powerful magnetic field of Jupiter has puzzled scientists for decades. Now it's even more complicated! Neptune reaches opposition. It's a good week for stargazing with the new moon approaching.
Labor Day weekend astronomy guide

Astronomy blog - August 30, 2018, 6:32:20 PM EDT

Four major planets will be visible right after the sun goes down this weekend! Also, a new target for backyard telescopes shows up after midnight.
Star Adventurer Mini (SAM)

Astronomy blog - August 29, 2018, 6:45:52 PM EDT

The Star Adventurer Mini- is it “quite possibly the most compact and versatile camera tracking platform in the known universe.
Guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse across the eastern United States

Astronomy blog - August 21, 2018, 12:43:09 PM EDT

The next total solar eclipse in the United States is on April 8, 2024 and may be more impressive than last year's Great American Eclipse.