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Here's how and where you can see the celestial event in the country
8 January 2019
| Last updated on 20 January 2019
This January, two astronomical phenomena will overlap...
We love a good super moon - especially when the city's skyline provides spectacular views of the moon over Dubai's iconic skyscrapers.
And for the start of 2019, we're in for a treat. On January 21st, both a supermoon AND a lunar eclipse will occur.
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Called a "Super Blood 'Wolf' Moon" eclipse, it will be the first lunar eclipse of 2019, with three more eclipses expected to occur this year.
For this first one, UAE residents will be lucky to witness and enjoy the supermoon, but sadly the eclipse won't be seen as it will start after the moon sets on the horizon, Gulf News reports.
Where to see the Super Blood Wolf Moon in UAE
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Hasan Al Hariri from the Dubai Astronomy Group clarified what's happening that UAE residents can get involved with on the occasion of the celestial event.
Activities have been planned for the general public to join in at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in Mushrif Park; including a telescope reservation of the supermoon, and a talk about supermoon phenomena.
Happening from 6pm to 7pm, visitors will receive information educating them about the phenomenon. Tickets are AED 30 per adult, AED 15 per child and free for Dubai Astronomy Group members.
As mentioned, UAE residents will be able to see the supermoon - but not the eclipse.
Those living in North and South America, and western parts of Europe and Africa will be able to witness a full eclipse, with a partial eclipse visible in parts of Africa and Asia.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon is when the moon is the closest distance to Earth in its elliptic orbit. This makes the moon appear much bigger. The full moon on Wednesday will be the third in a series of supermoons.
What is a lunar eclipse?
When the sun, Earth and moon align causing the Earth’s darker, central shadow (also known as the Earth’s umbrella) covering the moon, it is called a lunar eclipse.
During the eclipse, parts of the sunlight’s spectrums are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. The longer wavelengths that remain then give the moon a reddish, orange or blood red hue. The orange or red hue that the moon receives is known as a Blood Moon.
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Last January, UAE residents were treated to a rare Super Blood Blue Moon. This year, the moon will appear with a reddish tinge also, which is why it's also referred to as a Blood Moon.
What is a Wolf Moon?
The celestial phenomenon is also called a Wolf Moon due to historical reasons.
In Native American and early colonial times, the full moon for January was called the 'Wolf Moon' as it appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Other names include Old Moon, Ice Moon and Snow Moon.
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