What the Super Blood Moon of 2019 Was
In astronomy, a Super Blood Moon is the coincidence of a total lunar eclipse with a full moon that is also at or near perigee, the point in the Moon’s orbit closest to Earth. This combination produces a larger and brighter full moon and a deep red coloring during totality. The January 2019 event was visible from much of North and South America, Europe, and Africa, and it is helpful to understand how these factors align and what they mean for future observations.
Lunar Eclipses and the Blood Moon Effect
Why the Moon Turns Red
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth sits directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. Refraction of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere bends the light into the shadow, and molecules in the air filter out most colors except red and orange. The result is a reddish hue, which is why the media and astronomy communicators sometimes use the term “Blood Moon” to describe a totally eclipsed Moon. The exact shade and visibility depend on atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover and particulate levels.
Timing and Totality
Totality is the interval when the entire Moon is inside Earth’s umbral shadow. For the January 2019 eclipse, durations varied by location, but the longest observed totality was around 62 minutes from certain viewing points. Because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical rather than circular, its distance from Earth changes throughout the month. When a full moon occurs near perigee and lines up with a total eclipse, the result is commonly called a Super Blood Moon.
- A total lunar eclipse is required for the Blood Moon effect
- Earth’s atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight, tinting the Moon red
- Totality length and color can vary by location and atmospheric conditions
Super Moons and Perigee Full Moons
What Makes a Moon Super
The term “Super Moon” refers to a full moon or new moon that occurs within about 90 percent of perigee, meaning the full moon is relatively close to Earth. This makes the Moon appear slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon, though the size difference can be subtle to the naked eye. The phrase is popular rather than technical, but it helps highlight the Moon’s changing distance across its orbit.
Perigee Full Moons in 2019
Several full moons in 2019 were considered supermoons, with the closest and most notable being in January. The specific circumstances of the January 2019 full moon, including its timing relative to perigee and the eclipse, made it especially noteworthy. Future supermoons can be identified by checking the date of perigee and the phase of the Moon in advance.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Super Blood Moon total lunar eclipse | NASA eclipse calculations |
| Date (UTC) | 20–21 January 2019 | Official eclipse canon |
| Maximum Eclipse | 4:12 UTC on 21 January 2019 | NASA eclipse data |
| Totality Duration | ≈62 minutes at optimal viewing locations | NASA eclipse tables |
| Approximate Magnitude | 1.36 (fraction of Moon diameter in umbra) | NASA eclipse data |
How to Read a Super Blood Moon Forecast
Key Factors to Watch
To predict and interpret a future Super Blood Moon, you can check whether a full moon occurs near perigee and whether it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. Resources like NASA’s eclipse website and astronomical almanacs list perigee times, full moon times, and eclipse circumstances. Even when a perigee full moon lines up with a partial or total eclipse, the event can still be described as a Super Blood Moon if the red tint is noticeable during totality.
Visibility Planning
Visibility depends on your location relative to the night side of Earth during the eclipse and on local weather. Totality is the easiest phase to observe because the Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s shadow and the red color is strongest. No special eye protection is needed; binoculars or a telescope can enhance detail of the lunar surface and the darkened Moon during the eclipse.
Notable Details and Observational Tips
Photographing the Event
Use a tripod or steady support, prefer longer focal lengths to capture size and surface detail, and bracket exposures to balance the bright lunar surface with the dim red hues of totality. Modern smartphones with telephoto lenses can also capture serviceable shots when paired with a steady mount or telescope adapter. Check weather forecasts and choose a site with a clear horizon toward the eclipse direction to maximize observing time.
Common Misconceptions
- It is not an eclipse of the Sun; it is a lunar eclipse, so it is safe to watch with the naked eye.
- The size increase from a supermoon is modest and may be hard to notice without reference.
- The “Blood” color varies; deep red, copper, and brown are all common depending on conditions.
Context and Broader Trends
The January 2019 Super Blood Moon was part of a sequence of lunar eclipses that can be understood through eclipse seasons and the Saros cycle, which helps astronomers anticipate similar configurations years in advance. Because supermoons and eclipses are predictable, enthusiasts and educators can plan observations, photography, and public outreach around upcoming events. This makes the Super Blood Moon a durable topic for explaining celestial mechanics, lunar science, and practical skywatching.