It almost sounds like something from a comic strip: a total supermoon lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon. But this is for real and it’s happening Sunday, Sept. 27th, 2015 through Monday.
What’s actually happening is a result of three things. The moon will be full and in its closet point in its orbit around the Earth, making it a so-called supermoon. Supermoons appear 14% larger and 33% brighter than other full moons. It can be viewed in Seattle on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 5:11 p.m. but will be brightest at 7:47 PM. Here is the timetable:
| Event | UTC Time | Time in Seattle* | Visible in Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse begins | Sep 28 at 12:11:47 AM | Sep 27 at 5:11:47 PM | No, below horizon |
| Partial Eclipse begins | Sep 28 at 1:07:13 AM | Sep 27 at 6:07:13 PM | No, below horizon |
| Full Eclipse begins | Sep 28 at 2:11:12 AM | Sep 27 at 7:11:12 PM | Yes |
| Maximum Eclipse | Sep 28 at 2:47:09 AM | Sep 27 at 7:47:09 PM | Yes |
| Full Eclipse ends | Sep 28 at 3:23:05 AM | Sep 27 at 8:23:05 PM | Yes |
| Partial Eclipse ends | Sep 28 at 4:27:05 AM | Sep 27 at 9:27:05 PM | Yes |
| Penumbral Eclipse ends | Sep 28 at 5:22:31 AM | Sep 27 at 10:22:31 PM | Yes |
* The Moon is below the horizon in Seattle some of the time, so that part of the eclipse is not visible.
The lunar combination is happenings for the first time in 30 years and the next on occurs in 2033.
All this space talk reminded me of one of my favorite picture books, Alistair in Outerspace.
Another favorite chapter books is George’s Secret Key to the Universe.
So I thought I’d quickly highlight some of the other great space books in our most amazing library!
Pictures my husband took last evening, Sept. 28, 2015
