Sky gazers will be treated to a rare convergence of celestial events on January 31– a blue moon, a supermoon, and a total lunar eclipse, all in one. The seldom-seen event will be visible in western North America, Asia, Australia, and elsewhere across the Eastern Hemisphere, Space.com reports. So if you’re in one of those lucky locations and want to see an event that’s literally once in a blue moon; here’s your chance.
What makes it super?
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s perigee – the point in its orbit that it is nearest to the earth – coincides with a full moon. The moon orbits our planet on an elliptical path, so there’s a point in its journey that it gets especially up close and personal with the earth. During this time, it appears to be larger than usual from our point of view, making it seem ever-so-slightly more “super.”
The second supermoon of the month will be happening on January 30 and 31. The moon will reach its perigee at around 4:54am Eastern, and will be 223,069 miles from Earth, according to EarthSky.org.
What makes it blue?
Unfortunately, the moon won’t be glowing a bright shade of blue. A blue moon is just a name for when two full moons occur within the same calendar month. So there should be, on average, one full moon a month. However, once every 2.7 years, there’s a month with an extra fully lit luna. This is where the saying “once in a blue moon” comes from, as blue moons don’t happen all that often.
The first full moon already took place on the night of January 1 and the universe is gifting us a second on the last day of the month.
What makes it “blood”?
While the super blue blood moon won’t be shining any shade of azure, it will take on a coppery-reddish glow on January 31. Now, the blood moon isn’t a scientific term, but it describes the colour the moon takes on when it undergoes a total eclipse. No, your menstrual cycles will not all sync on that night.
During a total lunar eclipse, the earth is in between the sun and the moon; this means the moon is not receiving direct sunlight from the sun. Instead, the only light you see is refracted through earth’s atmosphere, giving it a red tinge. Because of this colourful effect, people sometimes call a lunar eclipse a blood moon.
All three of these phenomena will be occurring at the same time at the end of January, giving the super blue blood moon its compound name.
The eclipse will begin at around 6:48am Eastern or 3:48am Pacific. Stargazers on the West coast will have an easier time catching a glimpse of this rare occurrence, but if East coasters are able to get a high vantage point overlooking the Western horizon, they could get a good view.
Spiritual significance
The last time all three events lined up this perfectly was more than 150 years ago. The last time humans saw a total eclipse of a blue moon was March 31, 1866. We began the New Year with a full moon and we are going to end it on the 31st with a full moon.
Great fortune is going to be abundant during this special full moon and the lunar eclipse. The energy that has been pouring out this month has been incredibly strong and this full moon will be so important for you and what's going on in 2018.
The blue moon has been considered fortunate, something to celebrate, and a perfect time to start a long-term goal or make plans for the future. This blue moon occurring at the beginning of the year marks a year of tremendous positive growth in your personal life. Whether you can see the full blue moon or not, remember the gentle power of the moon is still penetrating our spirits. So do whatever you feel is sacred to you on this special night.
HEIGHTENED EMOTIONS: Right now, the moon is at its closest approach to earth all month. Can you feel it? Have you noticed you are picking on little things for no good reason, having very random thoughts or other people seem to be having a go at you? Be aware that we are being influenced by the cosmic weather.
So if you are a little agitated right now, let it pass without lashing out at someone or something you will later feel sadness over. Stay in your own space over the next 24 hours of the blue moon and contemplate the bigger picture of your life. If you are looking to improve your luck or to finish a long-term goal, this is the time to get things done! This full moon is a lucky one and the beginning of a great new journey for you.
With a total lunar eclipse in particular, the blotting out of the moon represents a resetting of your emotions, clearing away the emotional baggage of the previous six months. Like a regular full moon only stronger, a lunar eclipse focuses your attention on intimate relationships, your home and your family. A total lunar eclipse has an even strong influence on your private life. Sun opposite moon qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a lunar eclipse. This lets you take an objective and balanced look at your close relationships. Because you will be in touch with your own needs and intentions, you will clearly see any relationship imbalances causing disharmony
A blue moon is rare; and if you are finding yourself at a crossroads in life, now would be the perfect time to get spiritual advice to help you on your path. The energies that are lining up for this rare blue moon, eclipse and supermoon are going to be astounding; therefore, it makes perfect sense to find out what is ahead for you in 2018.
