A Total Lunar Eclipse Called the ‘Super Blood Flower Moon’ is Happening this Weekend
This weekend will see a spectacular lunar event with a Super Blood Flower Moon lighting up the night sky with a total lunar eclipse to boot.
On Sunday, May 15 all of North America will experience a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon and casts a shadow on the moon. The National Weather Service has forecast mostly clear skies for Northern California during the event.
? Turn Aroouunnd ?
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) May 12, 2022
? Every now and then we have a lunar eclipse visible from interior #NorCal. Here is the 9 pm forecast for this Sunday where a total #LunarEclipse & super blood moon may be observed. #CAwx
More info: https://t.co/f9E0C6prZC pic.twitter.com/FPTMR0B5fX
The total lunar eclipse will start at 6:30 pm Pacific time on May 15, with the moon reaching full totality just before 8:30 pm. The eclipse will last an hour, while the entire event will take about 3.5 hours. Unfortunately, the event will be much more visible in the eastern half of the United States with a darker sky at that time of night
So why is it called a “Super Blood Flower Moon?” Let’s break it down:
A “supermoon” refers to the phenomenon when the moon appears larger because the full or new moon happens at the same time the moon passes closest to Earth in its orbit. This moon will look very large during the eclipse.
A “blood moon” is the term to reference when the Earth casts a shadow on the moon, causing it to reflect a reddish color. It’s similar to the phenomenon of a sunrise or sunset, where the shadows darken the color of the sun. This moon will have a colorful, reddish hue.
A “flower moon” is simply the term that Native Americans gave the May full moon.
There you have it – a “Super Blood Flower Moon.”
The best way to see this incredible celestial event is to venture far away from man made lights. If want a spectacular view, venture deep into the wilderness for a night sky like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
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