Rare astronomical phenomena all in January: Meteor shower, blue moon, total lunar eclipse – Check the info here

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

January 2018 will be a month packed with astronomical events, including two supermoons, one blue moon, one lunar eclipse, a meteor shower, and increasing daylight. The occurrence of two full moons in the same month, known in Europe as a “blue moon,” is an astronomical phenomenon that happens only once every two to three years. What’s even rarer is that this blue moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse—perfect for travelers looking to witness these uncommon celestial wonders.

Of the two full moons occurring in January, the one on January 31 will also feature a total lunar eclipse, visible across Taiwan. The eclipse begins at 18:50, with the most spectacular total phase happening from 20:51 to 22:08—a total of 1 hour and 17 minutes. The entire process lasts 5 hours and 20 minutes. The last time a blue moon coincided with a total lunar eclipse was on March 31, 1866—152 years ago. The next occurrences are expected on December 31, 2028, and January 31, 2037.

On January 3, Earth passes through perihelion, making the Sun appear at its largest size for the year. Additionally, there are two full moons in January, on the 2nd and the 31st, each with its own uniqueness. The full moon on January 2 is the largest of the year.

One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Quadrantids, peaks in the early morning of January 4 at 4:00 AM.

Travelers hoping to see the full moon, total lunar eclipse, and meteor shower should mark the dates and choose the best stargazing and moon-viewing spots to witness these rare celestial spectacles.
 

No need to trek to the mountains to see the stars: Top 10 stargazing spots in Taiwan recommended

》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=15806