Super blue blood moon takes over world
NEW DELHI : For all sky-gazers, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a super blue blood moon today.Today’s full moon is special because it is the second such full moon in a month, and that’s why it is called a blue moon. The lunar eclipse is called blood moon.
The much awaited “Supermoon” became visible on Wednesday a little later than expected, but when it did at around 7:10 pm, the enthusiastic stargazers in New Delhi relished the rare spectacle with a sense of awe.
The “Super Blue Blood Moon”, is a rare celestial triple treat. The January 31 sighting of a “blue Moon” and a total lunar eclipse occurred in India for the first time after 1982.
The moon is also closer to the Earth today as it is in a shorter orbit and is nearly 14 per cent brighter than usual. This moon is called a super moon. The moon is also closer to the Earth today as it is in a shorter orbit and is nearly 14 per cent brighter than usual. This moon is called a supermoon.
Therefore, it is a super blue blood moon today. The last time such an event was witnessed was in 1866. The moon will actually be closest to Earth on Tuesday – just over 3,59,000 km. That’s about 2,400 km farther than the supermoon on January 1.
Midway through the eclipse, the moon will be even farther away – 3,60,200 km – but still within unofficial supermoon guidelines. Owing to total lunar eclipse, the main doors of Tirumala temple were closed on Wednesday at 11 am. The temple doors will be reopened on Wednesday night and the pilgrims will be allowed after 9.30 pm onwards.
In Delhi, the lunar eclipse started around 5.53 pm and will last for three hours and 45 minutes. During this period, the total lunar eclipse will last for one minute and 32 seconds, starting at 6.59 pm.
India Today captured this rare celestial phenomenon from 6 pm and will bring you close-ups of the moon from all possible angles.A panel of astrologers will also mention the significance of this celestial trifecta and how it impacts your life.
For more info on supermoon, super blue blood moon and total lunar eclipse, check out these stories:Once upon a blue moon: January 31 super blue blood moon to mark last of trilogy, eclipse Super blue blood moon, total lunar eclipse on January 31 are a rare celestial treat for stargazers
Felt tremors? Conspiracy theorists believe Super Blue Blood Moon will bring a ‘great earthquake’ Many organisations across the country stepped in to enhance the show which was also visible to the naked eye. SPACE India, a start-up focused on astronomy education and astro-tourism services, organised events to observe the phenomenon from 6 pm-9:30 pm at various locations across India, including at India Gate.
The event was organised in five other cities, namely Chennai, Bengaluru, Surat, Dehradun and Meerut. At India Gate, SPACE India used the Dobsonian telescope which gave a very clear and crisp view of the super moon.( With Agency Inputs ).
