We start with supermoon, a full moon that is unusually large and bright because of the moon's unusual proximity to the earth. Specifically, that moon will appear 14% larger and 33% brighter than normal. The moon's orbit around the earth is an ellipse, with the distance between the two varying between 222,000 and 252,000 miles.
Then. on top of that we will have an eclipse, with the earth lined up with the sun to eclipse the moon. The combination of supermoon and a total eclipse is relative rare, with the last one occurring in 1982
and the next one in 2033. Even more impressive and unusual, this lunar eclipse is the last of a series of four, called a tetrad.
Supermoon events are often called blood moons, because the moon can have a reddish hue from light scattering off the Earth's atmosphere. Here in the northwest, the eclipse will start at 6:07 PM and totality will last from 7:11 to 8:23 PM, when the sky will be quite dark.
So head to a nice view point tomorrow and enjoy a special celestial show.
But there is more. Some folks believe that blood moon eclipses are particularly attractive to werewolves and vampires, so you might be a bit careful, particularly if you live in or near Forks. Other believe that a supermoon eclipse ending a tetrad might signal the end of the world. So you might want to put your affairs in order on Sunday, just in case.
Viewing Tip
A hill looking east would be good. In Seattle, the kite hill at Magnuson Park is nearly perfect, with a view across Lake Washington. That is where I will be tonight.
Bicycle Weather Talk
THURSDAY, OCT. 1
I will be giving a talk: A cyclist's guide to weather information: how to increase your chance of a dry ride
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Cascade Bicycling Center
7787 62nd Ave NE, Seattle
Free
The latest weather forecast model runs indicate clear skies over the region during the eclipse. Here is the cloud prediction from the UW WRF model for 8 PM. No clouds over Washington and Oregon.
So head to a nice view point tomorrow and enjoy a special celestial show.
But there is more. Some folks believe that blood moon eclipses are particularly attractive to werewolves and vampires, so you might be a bit careful, particularly if you live in or near Forks. Other believe that a supermoon eclipse ending a tetrad might signal the end of the world. So you might want to put your affairs in order on Sunday, just in case.
Viewing Tip
A hill looking east would be good. In Seattle, the kite hill at Magnuson Park is nearly perfect, with a view across Lake Washington. That is where I will be tonight.
Bicycle Weather Talk
THURSDAY, OCT. 1
I will be giving a talk: A cyclist's guide to weather information: how to increase your chance of a dry ride
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Cascade Bicycling Center
7787 62nd Ave NE, Seattle
Free
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