Get set for a rare lunar phenomenon

PANJIM: Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) on Monday said it will be organising a state-wide observation and awareness programs and events to mark the rare celestial phenomenon called as Snow, Blue, Super, Rising, Copper, Total Lunar Eclipse which will be visible in the State on January 31 from 6.57pm to 9.38 pm.

Addressing the media, AFA-Goa president Satish Nayak said, “Such an opportunity not only deserves a stare, but it is to be experienced. This rare Snow, Blue, Super, Rising, Copper, Total Lunar Eclipse occurs once in two decades. On January 31, the moon will be located on the opposite side of the earth and the sun and its face will be fully illuminated. This phase will occur at 6.57 pm for Goa. Traditionally every full moon has a unique name and the second full moon of January is called snow moon.”

“The next total lunar eclipse is on January 27, 2018 and the next super, blue total lunar eclipse will not occur until January 31, 2037. During a total solar eclipse the sun becomes black because the moon directly hides it from view and there is darkness on earth but in total lunar eclipse when the earth’s full shadow, umbra falls on the moon, it turns copper red instead of becoming black and this is because of the atmospheric refraction,” Nayak said.

He added that during this type of eclipse, the moon will gradually get darker and at the totality take on a very interesting rusty or blood red colour. Amateur and sky observation enthusiasts are eagerly waiting the phenomenon. 

“The main observation centre in Goa is the Public Astronomical Observatory, Junta House, Panjim. At other centres of the organization, enthusiastic teams of amateurs will monitor the event and help students and general public view it through telescopes at the Public Astronomical Observatories of Ravindra Bhavans of Margao, Sankhali and Vasco,” he said. He also said that telescopes will be placed outside Bodgeswar Temple in Mapusa, at Morjim at the Vidyprasarak High School, in Borim, Vivekananda High School and in Canacona at the Sri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya.