Lunar Eclipse Turns Moon Blood Red 1:52
Early risers in North America were able to witness a spectacle in red on Wednesday morning: a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “blood moon.” WSJ’s Monika Auger reports. Photo: AP
All you need to know about the rare ‘lunar trifecta’ eclipse
ON January 31 Australians will be able to catch a glimpse of a rare lunar trifecta.
Consisting of a total lunar eclipse, supermoon and blue moon, such an event hasn’t been seen for more than 30 years.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, those in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will have the best view.
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A total lunar eclipse is when the full moon passes through Earth’s shadow. While this type of eclipse is visible from anywhere on Earth (providing it is night-time), the duration is dependent on how close to moonrise or moonset it is when the eclipse starts in your location.
On average, this is seen in Australia every 2.8 years. However, in 2018, we will be lucky enough to see two total lunar eclipses.
The first will be on Wednesday the 31st of January while the second will take place in late July.
As it enters the depths of Earth’s shadow you can expect the moon to turn a deep red due to the Earth’s atmosphere interacting with the sun’s light. This type of eclipse is also known as a blood moon.
Ironically a blue moon isn’t even blue. The term instead refers to when there is a second full moon in a calendar month.
Lastly, the supermoon part comes into play as the moon will be closest to Earth as it orbits around us. While it will loom large in the sky it will in fact still be 360,198km away.
If you’re keen to stay up and view this rare event, here’s what you need to know.
Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart, ACT
Eclipse will start at 10:48pm and end at 2:11am
Totality will begin at 11:51pm and end at 1:08am
Brisbane
Eclipse will start at 9:48pm and end at 1:11am
Totality will begin at 10:51pm and end at 12:08am
Adelaide
Eclipse will start at 10:18pm and end at 1:41am
Totality will begin at 11:21pm and end at 12:38am
Perth
Eclipse will start at 7:48pm and end at 11:11pm
Totality will begin at 8:51pm and end at 10:08pm
Darwin
Eclipse will start at 9:18pm and end at 12:41am
Totality will begin at 10:21pm and end at 11:38pm
