Rare astronomical phenomena in January: meteor showers, blue moon, total lunar eclipse – all the info here

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

January 2018 will be a month packed with astronomical events, including two supermoons, one blue moon, one lunar eclipse, one meteor shower, and increasing daylight. The occurrence of two full moons in the same month is colloquially referred to as a "blue moon" in Europe, an astronomical phenomenon that happens only once every two or three years. Additionally, the blue moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse, making this a rare occurrence. Travelers looking to witness these extraordinary celestial events should seize the opportunity.

On January 3, Earth passes through perihelion, making the Sun appear at its largest for the year. January also has two full moons, on the 2nd and the 31st. Each has unique features, with the full moon on January 2 being the largest of the year.

Of the two full moons in January, the one on January 31 will feature a total lunar eclipse. This eclipse will be visible across Taiwan, beginning at 18:50. The most spectacular total phase runs from 20:51 to 22:08, lasting 1 hour and 17 minutes. The entire event spans 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Additionally, one of the year’s best meteor showers, the Quadrantids, peaks in the early hours of January 4 at around 4:00 AM. Meteors begin appearing after around midnight from the northeast, but moonlight may affect visibility that night.

Travelers hoping to see the full moon, total lunar eclipse, or meteor shower should mark these dates and choose optimal stargazing and moon-gazing spots to enjoy these rare celestial wonders.
 

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