We're Having an Eclipse, Supermoon, & Blue Moon at the Same Time This Week
An impressive cosmic display is set to occur on Wednesday, January 31. For the first time in 152 years, a supermoon, blue moon, and lunar eclipse will all happen on one night, according to NASA. Whether you follow astronomy or astrology, this is undeniably a pretty big deal.
Wednesday will mark the second supermoon of the New Year—the first was visible on January 1. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at or near its closest point in its orbit around Earth, according to NASA. It also means that the moon will appear to be anywhere from 14% to 30% bigger and brighter than typical full moons.
Because this will be the second full moon of the month, it is classified as a blue moon. These tend to occur about once every two and a half years, NASA explains. But that's not all—this astronomical event will also feature a total lunar eclipse, a phenomenon often referred to as a blood moon due to its reddish hue. A blood moon occurs when the moon lines up perfectly with the Earth and the sun so the Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light.
Combine all three of these natural wonders, and you have what NASA calls a super blue blood moon. If you live in the western hemisphere, you can catch a glimpse of this phenomenon in the early hours of the morning. It will be visible to those in the eastern hemisphere during the evening. Find out the exact time you'll be able to see the celestial trifecta with this calculator or tune in to the live stream for an up-close view.
As for the event's astrological effects, you'll want to spend the day making intentions for the next six months, according to Hello Giggles. Full moons are a time to focus on what you want to bring into your life, and the eclipse will only intensify this energy. Mark your calendars because this might not happen again for another 150 years.
Head over to NASA for more information.