Total lunar eclipse 2018, super blue blood moon today

On January 31, which is today marks a total lunar eclipse, but this is coinciding with supermoon and a blue moon as well. The event is being termed as a super blue blood moon and is a rare lunar event for star-gazers. According to NASA, this celestial event is a lunar trifecta where three particular events are colliding, resulting in the Super blue blood moon. Those living in the US, Alaska and Hawaii will see a pre-dawn “super blue blood moon,” and will enjoy the best view of this lunar eclipse.

Lucikly, 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 Super blue blood moon such a rare event? Here are all your questions about this rare phenomenon answered.

What is this Super blue blood 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 upto 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.