There is no doubt about it: the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty, but what if I told you that the Aloha State is just as magnificent after the sun has slipped beyond the horizon? From the Milky Way as seen from the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountains — Mauna Kea and Mount Haleakala — to this week’s upcoming total lunar eclipse, we are obsessed with the night sky above the Hawaiian Islands.
Mark your calendar, because Hawaii will have a front row seat for the upcoming Super Blood Moon — a total lunar eclipse — on January 20, 2019. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this epic celestial event that will be visible from five continents.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to be completely covered by the earth’s shadow. The result is absolutely awe-inspiring, and we’re so excited to witness it for ourselves.
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So, what’s with the red color you’ll see? When the moon is completely shadowed by the earth, it appears red since some light is being reflected by the earth’s atmosphere.
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Check out what to expect during the different phases of this lunar eclipse below.
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Here in Hawaii, the magical event will begin with a penumbral eclipse at 4:36 p.m., with the partial eclipse emerging at 5:33 p.m. Then, at 6:41 p.m., the total lunar eclipse will begin. The maximum eclipse — when the moon will be almost in the center of the earth’s shadow — will take place at approximately 7:12 p.m.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr
When the clock strikes 7:43 p.m., the total eclipse will end. However, you can still view the partial lunar eclipse until 8:50 p.m., and the penumbral eclipse until 9:48 p.m.
Pablo Leautaud/Flickr Please note: exact times are listed for Honolulu, and times might change slightly based on which island you call home.
If you miss the total lunar eclipse on January 20, 2019, you’ll have to wait until May 26, 2021, for the next one. In the meantime, you can always go stargazing at the summit of Mount Haleakala, pictured below.
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After this weekend, we’d love you to share any photos of this stunning total lunar eclipse with us in our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
jdegenhardt/Flickr
real_orion/Flickr
nmroshan/Flickr
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr
Pablo Leautaud/Flickr
Please note: exact times are listed for Honolulu, and times might change slightly based on which island you call home.
Jason Carpenter/Flickr
If you love stargazing as much as we do, you live in the right place. Not only are the stars as seen above Mauna Kea absolutely awe-inspiring, but you can enjoy the night sky without ever leaving your hotel if you stay here.
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