Super Blue Moon on January 31st | lunar eclipse 2018.

Awesome blue Moon and lunar eclipse on 31st January, timings for India to watch awesome blue moon.

Awesome blue Moon of 2018 is taking place on January 31, and also coincides with lunar Eclipse.

On January 31, the world will witness a rare Awesome blue Moon , which is called so because it is coinciding with a total lunar eclipse and a blue moon. The rare celestial event, according to NASA is a lunar trifecta and those living in the US, Alaska and Hawaii will see a predawn “Awesome blue Moon .” Residents in India will also be able to witness the super blue blood moon.  So what exactly is the Super blue blood moon phenomenon and what will be the timings for India? Also, why is this Awesome blue Moon such a rare event? Here are all your questions about this rare phenomenon answered.

What is this Awesome blue Moon?

Super moons occur when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest orbit point (perigee) to the planet. During a super moon, the Moon appears up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter, according to NASA. Remember most celestial bodies in our solar system have an elliptical orbit. These include the orbit of the Earth around the Sun, as well as the orbit of the Moon. The farthest distance between the moon and the Earth is termed ‘apogee’, while the perigee is the nearest point between planet Earth and its satellite.

The reason this January 31 event is a Awesome blue Moon is because this will also be a total lunar eclipse, when the satellite has reddish tinge to it. It is also the second total lunar eclipse in the month of January 2018, and according to NASA, a second total lunar eclipse during a month is called ‘blue moon’. Thus the Super moon has become a “Awesome blue Moon .”

At what time  Awesome blue Moon can be watched ? How can I watch it in India?

The Awesome blue Moon will be visible on January 31. On this day, the natural satellite will rise at 5:51 AM EST, which is 4:21 PM I ST and set at 11:08 AM EST or 9:38 PM I ST.  Those residing in Siberia, Australia, New Zealand and northwestern US and Canada will be lucky to observe the entire event. Major sections of Africa, South America and Europe will not be able to enjoy the event.
For stargazers in India, the phenomenon will be visible. The country’s first viewers will be from the north-East, who will be able to witness this event between 4:21 PM and 5:18 PM I ST. Rest of India will get a chance to see this Awesome blue Moon between 5:18 PM I ST and 6:21 PM I ST. The west coast and parts of Rajasthan will see the celestial event from 6:21 PM I ST to 7:37 PM I ST on January 31 itself.