Super Blue Blood Moon (What You Want To Know Wednesdays)

The early morning hours of Wednesday saw a spectacular sight; a rare “super blue blood moon. “ It has also been referred to as the “lunar trifecta.” So what does this mean? Let’s break it down.

CNN defines a “supermoon” as when a full moon falls at the same time as it’s perigree; the closest point of the moon’s orbit with Earth. As a result, the moon appears larger and brighter than normal.

Have you ever used the term, “once in a blue moon?” Well, this is what it refers to; a “blue moon” is when there is a second full moon in a calendar month. The first full moon of the year was on New Year’s Day.

What is the “blood” element of the “lunar trifecta?” There is no actual “blood” on the moon, it simply refers to the red hue that the moon will get during a lunar eclipse. The red hue is caused by faint red sunbeams peeking our around the edges of the Earth.

 

This event is not scheduled to happen again until 2037!

 

Here are some fun facts about the moon:

  • Although a blue or blood moon are less frequent, a super moon is a normal occurrence.
  • The perigree can vary monthly.
  • Blue moons occur about every 2.7 years.
  • Every 19 years there are two blue moons in a calendar year. It is possible when there are no full moons in February.
  • The red hue during a “blood moon” is caused by the reflection of sunrises and sunsets happening around the world. Red light is better able to penetrate the atmosphere, as opposed to lighter colors.

 

**CNN.com // USAToday.com

 


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