The skies in the UAE will be subject to a unique event on 31 January. A "Super blue blood moon" will be visible in the skies in UAE on 31 January, comprising all of the three – a total lunar eclipse, a super moon and a blue moon – all at once, The National reported.
The phenomenon will be prominent enough to be seen with a naked eye.
What is a ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’
- A super moon is a full moon that appears larger than usual as the moon is at its closest distance to the Earth in its elliptic orbit. Around the dozen new moons that occur every year, two to three become super moons.
- A lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly behind the Earth, into its own shadow. This can happen when the sun, Earth and the moon are aligned perfectly in a line, with the Earth in the middle. Lunar eclipse is very different from solar eclipse which happens when the moon blocks the sun being in the middle.
- When the moon takes its place in the Earth's shadow, it takes on a red hue – which is what is called a blood moon.
- A blue moon, contrary to the popular saying, could be called the most common occurrence. It has two definitions – the third full moon in a season that has four full moons or the second full moon in a calendar month. It does not make the moon appear blue in color.
Since each of these is a rare phenomenon in themselves, all happening at once is a huge thing.
When and Where to Watch
The ideal viewing time in Dubai will be 6:04 pm, when the moon is close to the horizon, The National quoted Dubai Astronomy chief executive Hasan Al Hariri as saying. The ideal time in Abu Dhabi will be at 6:06 pm, exactly 2 minutes later.
Although it is said to be perfectly visible to the naked eye, Hariri recommended finding a high point for the best view. One would have to get in position quickly to enjoy the view.
One would have about three minutes to take in the complete phenomenon, as it is said to end till 6:07 (Dubai). However, the partial eclipse will be visible for the next hour and four minutes, lasting till about 7:11 pm.
There are reports saying that this is the first time such a phenomenon is happening in the last 150 years, that is true only in the case of America.
The last time a 'super blue blood moon' happened was on 30 December 1982.
(With inputs from The National)
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