What Boaters Should Know about the Super Blue Blood Moon
We all know the moon effects the tides. Wednesday January 31, 2018 is a trifecta of lunar activity.
But what how does a Super Blue Blood Moon effect the waters and what should boaters be aware of during this rare event?
- Use slack docklines. Higher and lower water levels will result during this event. At the least, check your boat. Our Carefree Dock Masters are preparing the fleet as we speak!
- In the hours and days following the Super Blue Blood Moon- watch for debris in the water. The higher tides can grab logs and debris and other floating objects off of shorelines that a ” normal” tide might not. This can cause damage to boaters that aren’t watching out for the additional hazards in the water
- ” Normal,” tides will be even shallower caused by the Super Blue Blood Moon. Watch your depth. Avoid any areas that you normally avoid because of shallow depth and be aware of areas that you wouldn’t consider shallow any other time – because there will be extreme low tides.
- Currents will be stronger. Be advised that inlets or any body of water made narrow by land masses or structures may require extra vigilance to navigate safely.
Meanwhile what is a Super Blue Blood Moon?
Super Moon is when the moon’s closest point in its orbit to Earth than during other times. The moon will appear 14% brighter, which might help boaters see better on dark waters. Remember that tides will be higher, lower and the associated tidal currents stronger.
Blue Moon “Once in a blue moon” is a rare occasion. When 2 full moons happen in the same calendar month – the second full moon is called a blue moon.
Blood Moon and if that is not enough fun for you…It’s also a Lunar eclipse! As the moon moves into the darker shadow, known as the umbra, it will appear a coppery-red color, as light bending through earth’s atmosphere strikes it. This coppery color lends the so-called blood moon its name.
