Philippines is in for a triple astronomical treat on January 31, Wednesday due to a lunar eclipse which will exhibit the Super moon, Blue moon, and Blood moon in just one night.
To make Filipinos enjoy the lunar exhibition, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) release an advisory regarding the best time to observe and watch the sky.
In Manila, the Moon will rise at 5:42 PM on January 31. The major phases of the eclipse are as follows: Penumbral eclipse begins at 6:49 PM; Partial eclipse begins at 7:48 PM; Greatest eclipse at 9:29 PM; Partial eclipse ends at 11:11 PM; and Penumbral eclipse ends at 12:09 AM.
PAGASA also reminds Filipinos that it is safe to watch and observe this phenomenon and no special device is needed. A livestream of the event will be uploaded in PAGASA Facebook and Youtube pages.
To maximize the moon watching, Engr. Dario dela Cruz give some tips, “Mas maganda na away from the city lights at malinaw o walang harang and Silangan or Eastern side.”
While this event is purely a visual enjoyment, PAGASA debunked myth in relation to this rare event, including whether it causes the Mayon volcano to erupt and other natural disasters.
Engr. Dela Cruz further clarifies, “walang correlation ang earthquake o pagsabog ng bulkan sa paglabas ng Super moon. Hindi dapat i-consider and paglitaw ng 3 lunar event sa pagsabog ng bulkan.”
While it has no correlation to volcano eruption and earthquakes, the Super moon affects the tides. Dela Cruz said that this event will add three (3) inches on water level during high tide.
Furthermore, a clear sky is expected during the lunar event per weather forecast. The moon is viewable all over the country with the moon 30% brighter. (Ehlorra Mangahas)
