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Night sky dazzles millions

By Megan Palko, Contributing Writer

02/06/2018

A “super blue blood moon” was seen by much of the world on January 31. According to TIME, the celestial phenomenon hasn’t occurred since 1982, and there won’t be another until 2037.

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A “super blue blood moon” can be seen when a supermoon, a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse occur simultaneously. According to NASA, a “supermoon” happens when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth, making the moon look 14 percent larger and brighter. Blue moons occur when there is a second full moon in one calendar month, not referring to the actual color of the moon. The “blood” part of the phenomenon refers to the faint red sunbeams that peek out around the edges of the Earth during a lunar eclipse. According to Space.com, this is the same effect that causes sunsets and sunrises to appear red. All of these components were tied together in the breath-taking event seen this past Wednesday.

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Space.com stated that this lunar eclipse was visible in all 50 U.S. states, Australia, and eastern Asia. Despite some clouds obstructing the view in a lot of the U.S., skywatchers were still able to catch a glimpse and snap from photos of the moon.

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Space.com interviewed E.C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, who explained that various ancient cultures believed that eclipses occurred when a creature was swallowing the moon. According to National Geographic, many cultures viewed the absence of the moon as a time of danger and chaos, blaming demons, pets, and jaguars. Nowadays, people look forward to celestial events and even celebrate them with road trips, viewing parties, and astronomy talks.

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Because of these myths, many people chanted and made themselves heard so that they could free the moon and scare away the beast. On January 31, Krupp lead a chant called, “Dragon, be gone!” until the silver of the full moon reemerged, and announced that their chanting was successful.

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Although the next “super blue blood moon” is predicted to take place in 2037, many other astrological events will be taking place before then. Space.com confirmed the next total lunar eclipse will make its appearance in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia on July 27. However, North America will have to wait until January 21, 2019 for it’s next total lunar eclipse.

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