Rabun County expected to see the Super Blue Blood-Moon Eclipse

CLAYTON — Rabun County is expected to see a celestial spectacle next Wednesday, January 31.

There are few cosmic events more beautiful than a total lunar eclipse. Except, perhaps a total solar eclipse which locals were treated to last year when they were able to experience a complete line of totality.

Now, Northeast Georgia will witness a Super Blue Blood-Moon Eclipse which will be visible in the early hours of January 31, when a full moon will turn an orangey-red hue as it passes through the Earth’s deep shadow.

Here is a time frame Clayton can expect if they wish to encounter this rarity:

5:51 a.m. Wed, Jan 31

The Penumbral Eclipse begins. The Earth’s penumbra starts touching the Moon’s face.

6:48 a.m. Wed, Jan 31

The Partial Eclipse begins. Partial moon eclipse starts – the moon is getting more red.

The moon will be close to the horizon, so make sure you have free sight to West-northwest.

7:31 a.m. Wed, Jan 31

The Maximal Eclipse will be visible in Clayton. The maximum part of the eclipse occurs when the Moon is close under the horizon. The best time to view the eclipse in Franklin Gap would be around this time.

Since the Moon is near the horizon at this time, it’s recommended going to a high point or finding an unobstructed area with free sight to West-northwest for the best view of the eclipse.