A 152 year chance to see a rare triple treat – Lunar Eclipse

Stargazers and astro-photographers will gather at locations along Phuket’s east coast between 6pm and 12pm to catch sight of the very rare triple display of a blue moon, a super moon and a total lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse, a blue moon and a supermoon will occur simultaneously, in a coincidence that last happened almost 152 years ago in 1866.

1. WHAT IS IT?

A lunar eclipse is when the moon enters the Earth’s shadow. When there is a total lunar eclipse, the moon takes on a red colour and is known as a blood moon.

Because the full moon on Wednesday night will be the second full moon of the month, it is dubbed a blue moon. It does not appear blue, but is given the name for its rarity as it occurs once every two years and eight months.

As for the supermoon, the term refers to when a full moon coincides with the moon being the closest to Earth.

2. WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

The last blue moon took place on May 21, 2016, and the last total lunar eclipse that was visible in this part of the world happened on April 4, 2015.

“After this year’s total lunar eclipses, it will not be until three years later that we will be able to see another blood moon on May 26, 2021,” said a Science Centre Singapore spokesman.

3. WHEN DOES IT START?

A partial eclipse will start at before sunset (5.51pm), while a full eclipse will start at 7.51pm and last until 9.78pm. The partial eclipse will end at 23.08pm.

4. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO CATCH THE ECLIPSE?

The cosmic event will be visible in parts of western North America, the Middle East, Asia, eastern Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

In Phuket you will need to look to the east and large open areas without ambient street lights will provide the best view. If it’s cloudy you’ll just have to be patient. Saphan Hin and the beaches on the east coast will be your best bet. It will be visible with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, this lunar eclipse can be safely viewed without protective eyewear.

More info HERE.