January ends with rare lunar phenomenon

 

Put super blue moon or eclipse on your calendar for Jan. 31, 2018. That’s three unusual sky phenomena all happening on one day.

Supermoon that is also a blue moon will be eclipsed early morning Jan. 31, 2018. NASA photo
Supermoon that is also a blue moon will be eclipsed early morning Jan. 31, 2018. NASA photo

First, the moon will be at its second full phase showing in January, making it a blue moon (not color, just the old rare once in a blue moon saying).

Secondly, it will be a “supermoon”, meaning its orbit places it close to earth so it appears larger than other full moons.

Third, now hear the ta-das and horns? If you step outside really early on Jan. 31 and the sky is clear, you can witness a lunar eclipse. In the central time zone it begins about 5:48 a.m. That is when the moon will be moving into the Earth’s shadow where no sun can illuminate any part of the moon. Total lunar eclipse is about 6:52 a.m.

Find more information at EarthSky and NASA Lunar or NASA Eclipse.

 

 

Author: Jodie

Longtime Chicago Tribune contributor for news and features. Travel writer for What's Happening, Lakeland Boating and A&E for CBS