On January 20, 2019, observers around the world saw a striking total lunar eclipse that produced a deep red hue known as a blood moon. This event combined a supermoon and a super blue blood moon, creating a rare celestial display that attracted both astronomy enthusiasts and general viewers.
Below is a structured overview of the key moments and characteristics of the January 2019 super blue blood moon, helping you quickly understand when and how the eclipse unfolded.
| Phase | UTC Time | Approximate Local Time (Eastern) | Visibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse Start | 20:37 | 3:37 PM | Subtle darkening, often hard to notice |
| Partial Eclipse Start | 21:33 | 4:33 PM | Earth's umbra begins covering the Moon |
| Totality Start | 22:41 | 5:41 PM | Full red color visible as the Moon is fully within Earth's shadow |
| Greatest Eclipse | 23:12 | 6:12 PM | Peak color and duration of total phase |
| Totality End | 23:43 | 6:43 PM | Earth's umbra begins to leave the Moon |
| Partial Eclipse End | 00:48 (+21) | 7:48 PM (+21) | Moon completely leaves Earth's umbra |
| Penumbral Eclipse End | 01:48 (+21) | 8:48 PM (+21) | Eclipse fully ends, normal illumination resumes |
Understanding the January 2019 Super Blue Blood Moon
The super blue blood moon of January 2019 was the first total lunar eclipse of the year. It occurred when the full moon coincided with its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than an average full moon. The combination of a supermoon, blue moon, and total eclipse produced the distinctive blood moon appearance.
What caused the red color
The blood moon effect happens because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths and lets longer red wavelengths bend into the shadow, tinting the Moon a coppery red. The depth of color depends on atmospheric conditions such as dust, clouds, and pollution.
Global Visibility and Observation Conditions
Viewers in North and South America had front-row seats, with the entire eclipse occurring after sunset on January 20. Western Europe and Africa saw the latter part of the eclipse after moonrise, while much of Asia and Australia missed the event due to daylight or unfavorable weather.
Clear skies were reported in many locations across the Americas, allowing for uninterrupted viewing of each phase. Enthusiasts used telescopes and photography equipment to capture details of the eclipse, while casual observers simply enjoyed the changing colors with the naked eye.
Timing Details and Photography Tips
For photographers, the super blue blood moon offered a chance to capture long exposure images that highlighted both the size of the moon and the richness of the eclipse colors. Using manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and a telephoto lens helped reduce blur and preserve detail.
Since the eclipse spanned more than three hours, planning shots around key moments such as the start of totality and the moment of greatest eclipse resulted in compelling sequences. Checking local moon altitude and light pollution levels further improved image quality.
Comparison With Other Recent Total Lunar Eclipses
The January 2019 super blue blood moon stands out for its visibility across the Americas and its coincidence with a supermoon. Unlike some eclipses that occur during daytime or in less populated regions, this event was accessible to a large audience.
| Date | Type | Visibility Regions | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2018 | Total | Asia, Australia, Pacific | Blue moon total eclipse |
| Jan 20, 2019 | Total | Americas, West Europe, Africa | Supermoon, blue moon, total eclipse |
| May 26, 2021 | Total | Asia, Australia, Americas | Short totality, deeper red |
| May 16, 2022 | Total | Europe, Africa, Americas | Long duration totality |
Debunking Misconceptions
Some viewers expected the Moon to appear as bright red, but the color can range from subtle orange to deep coppery brown depending on atmospheric clarity. Others assumed the eclipse was dangerous to watch, but lunar eclipses require no eye protection since the Moon is simply reflecting filtered sunlight.
The term blood moon is sometimes linked to prophecy or dramatic global events, yet it is simply a descriptive nickname for a total lunar eclipse. Scientifically, the January 2019 event provided standard eclipse data on timing, geometry, and atmospheric effects without extraordinary consequences.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Note the exact timing for your location using eclipse charts that convert UTC to local time.
- Plan photography or videography around totality, which lasted about 62 minutes on January 20, 2019.
- Check local weather forecasts to maximize chances of clear skies during the eclipse window.
- Use a telephoto lens or telescope to capture details such as the corona and surface features of the eclipsed Moon.
- Share observations with local astronomy groups or online communities to compare colors and timing across regions.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was the January 2019 moon called a blood moon
The name blood moon comes from the reddish tint the Moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse, caused by sunlight bending through Earth's atmosphere and projecting onto the lunar surface.
Did the super blue blood moon happen on January 20 or 21
For most locations in the Americas, the eclipse occurred entirely on January 20, with the full sequence completing before midnight local time.
Was the January 2019 lunar eclipse visible worldwide
No, the eclipse was best seen from North and South America, parts of Western Europe, and Africa. Much of Asia and Australia missed it because it occurred during daylight hours.
How often do super blue blood moons like this occur
Super blue blood moons are rare because they require a total lunar eclipse, a supermoon, and a second full moon in a month to align, a combination that happens only every few decades.