Super Blue Moon Eclipse on January 31

January 24th, 2018

(Albuquerque, NM) – In the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 31, a rare astronomical concurrence of events will include a full moon, a Supermoon and a Blue Moon that will be totally eclipsed! Early risers can experience this phenomenon at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science early that morning from 5 – 7 a.m. (weather permitting)

The phrase ‘Blue Moon’ has nothing to do with the color of the moon. The term is used to describe a second full moon during the same month. This ‘Blue Moon’ will turn red, which is what happens when there’s a total lunar eclipse.

This is a rare astronomical event: the last Blue Moon total eclipse was in 1866 and the next one will be in 2028. Enhancing the phenomenon will be the fact this is also a Supermoon, where the moon is as close to the Earth as it gets. The next time all of the same elements come together will be in 2037.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque Astronomical Society, and Rio Rancho Astronomical Society will provide telescopes on the museum observatory deck to view this astronomical trifecta coincidence on the morning of the 31^st before sunrise. Informational posters and handouts will explain the terms Supermoon, Blue Moon, what causes eclipses, and why eclipses make the moon turn red.

“We’d like to invite everyone to enjoy the eclipse with us at the museum,” said Space Science Director Jim Greenhouse. “However, since the eclipse is happening on the morning of a weekday, we realize some may not be able to come here due to work and school.” 

Visitors who come to the museum from now through January 31 can see a series of brief videos explaining eclipses, Blue Moons, and Supermoons showing on a temporary monitor in the Space Science exhibit gallery. This will provide information to understand and enjoy the eclipse for those who will watch on their own. In that case, make sure you have an unobstructed view of the western sky since the best part of the eclipse starts while the moon is setting.

Here are the times for the stages of the eclipse: Partial Eclipse Begins – 4:48 a.m. Total Eclipse Begins – 5:52 a.m. Maximum Eclipse – 6:30 a.m. Total Eclipse Ends – 7:07 a.m. Totality ends at almost the same moment the moon sets, but that time will vary according to the terrain on western horizon from your location.

This event will be canceled if the sky is cloudy. No reservations are required, and admission is by donation. Feel free to come with bed hair and in your pajamas (assuming you don’t mind being seen in public that way)! Check the weather and dress appropriately for being outside in the cold.

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science: http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils, and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater. A division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the Museum is open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 1801 Mountain Road NW, northeast of Historic Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, NM 87104, (505) 841-2800.  Events, news releases and images about activities at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and other  divisions of the Department of Cultural Affairs can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org.