We’re getting another super moon, and unlike that disappointing “pink” moon, this super blood moon is going to exude some spooky energy.
The super blood moon will arrive tonight, May 26, and will coincide with a total lunar eclipse.
The last total lunar eclipse occurred in January 2019, but one hasn’t been visible in Australia since 2018, so we’re in for a cosmic show across the Pacific.
Who’s ready for the Supermoon? #crystals #fullmoon #supermoon pic.twitter.com/Ts8ad0li5N
— Tricia (@poorlydrawnpets) May 26, 2021
A supermoon occurs when a full moon occurs near the closest point in its orbit of Earth, and the reason it’ll be glowing with red is that the moon will be sitting in the Earth’s shadow.
Boom. Science.
In Eastern Australia, the moon will slowly pass into the Earth’s shadow and darken at 7:44 pm, meaning 5:44 pm in Western Australia. This will go for about an hour.
The moon will be completely in shadow for 14 minutes, starting at 9:11 pm AEST.
If you heard the word “eclipse” and immediately reached for your sunglasses, don’t worry you’re not alone.
However, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are totally safe to look at, and visible with the naked eye without any special equipment.
“Statistically, one out of three or four total lunar eclipses will be a super blood moon,” said Australian National University astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker.
On May 17, Qantas put tickets up for sale to see the supermoon, which unfortunately sold out in two minutes.
The no-destination flight will fly to 40,000 feet early this evening to get the perfect view of the rising moon.
Qantas has dubbed the flight a “two-and-a-half-hour sojourn through the southern sky,” and will take place onboard a B787 Dreamliner.
I really wanna do the @Qantas flight to nowhere. like let me just sit on a plane for 7 hrs (after the 14 to get there). I need out of the house.
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) September 18, 2020
CSIRO astronomer, Dr Vanessa Moss, will accompany the passengers, providing commentary and answering questions on the spectacular views.
Qantas enlisted Dr Moss to plan the perfect flight path, ensuring optimal views of this astronomical event.
If the skies aren’t clear from your viewing point, the event will be live-streamed by the Virtual Telescope Project, as well as the European Space Agency.
Either way, get ready for a very ‘spoopy’ evening!
