On Wednesday, May 26, Central Coast’s star gazers were treated to a super blood moon and total lunar eclipse.
During this event, three astronomical things were happening at once: a super moon, a blood moon, and a total lunar eclipse.
A super moon is when a full moon is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger than normal.
A total lunar eclipse is when a full moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking direct sunlight from illuminating the Moon’s surface.
It turns red, becoming a blood moon, because some sunlight still reaches the lunar surface indirectly, via the Earth’s atmosphere, bathing the Moon in a reddish, yellow, or orange glow.
All of this started at approximately 7.45pm and finished around 10.52pm.
The moon became red between 9.11pm and 9.26pm.
Many were out to watch the phenomenon with people gazing up at the sky from balconies, beaches, parks, roof tops, and driveways.
Here are how some Coasties spent their evening under the stars.
“I went to Avoca because there was not as much light meaning I was able to get some lovely photos,” a Kincumber resident said.
“The night was very quiet, and I felt very reflective.”
Another resident said the night was a time to appreciate our world and reflect on our lives.
“I spent the evening laying down on a rock with some friends gazing at the stars,” said a Killcare resident.
I saw three meteorites at the same time.”
“This phenomenon was perhaps the best event we have seen in years, and the skies were very clear, so it was very easy to see.”
If you missed it, don’t worry.
You won’t have to wait too long for the next total lunar eclipse which will be on November 8, 2022.
Jacinta Counihan