1News

Rare celestial phenomenon to grace South Island skies this weekend

July 26, 2018

Blood moon wows Kiwi skywatchers (Source: 1 NEWS)

Kiwis down south will be able to observe a rare celestial event this weekend - a total lunar eclipse.

Known as a 'selenelion', both the sun and moon will be visible at the same time several minutes after 8am on Saturday, Newshub reports.

Its first recorded occurrence was in 1666.

On the day, South Islanders can expect to see both the rising sun on the eastern horizon and an eclipsed moon to the west.

The natural phenomenon occurs when rays of light refract due to Earth's atmosphere by around half of a degree, making it possible to see both at the same time.

New Zealand Space Dunedin and Otago Christchurch and Canterbury Nelson West Coast Southland

SHARE ME

More Stories

Three men found guilty of murdering missing man Anaru Moana

Moana, 37, vanished in December 2021 and his body has never been found.

6:09pm

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says he values Conservation Boards.

Conservation Boards set to lose functions under new law

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the boards and the New Zealand Conservation Authority will continue to play an important role in managing conservation land.

6:00pm

Sale of historic high-country station expected to draw global interest

Mt Algidus Station has been listed on the open market and is expected to be one of the highest sales in the South Island this year.

4:55pm

The University of Otago said in a statement to 1News it was "extremely concerned" by last night's incident.

Arrests after fireworks again aimed at police on Dunedin's Castle St

The disorder, described by police as "reckless and dangerous", followed similar scenes on Monday.

Thu, Nov 6

0:35

The aftermath of a blaze at Dunedin's Tomahawk Beach.

Firefighters respond to 30 fireworks-related calls on Guy Fawkes

Among them was a "reasonably large blaze" near Dunedin that required nine trucks and between 30 to 40 staff to fight.

Thu, Nov 6

2:39

The whitebait season ends on October 31.

Two caught illegally whitebaiting after season end, nets seized

Western Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said it is "disappointing" the men were fishing illegally.

Wednesday 6:23pm

Sale of historic high-country station expected to draw global interest

Mt Algidus Station has been listed on the open market and is expected to be one of the highest sales in the South Island this year.

4:55pm

Arrests after fireworks again aimed at police on Dunedin's Castle St

The disorder, described by police as "reckless and dangerous", followed similar scenes on Monday.

Thu, Nov 6

0:35

Firefighters respond to 30 fireworks-related calls on Guy Fawkes

Among them was a "reasonably large blaze" near Dunedin that required nine trucks and between 30 to 40 staff to fight.

Thu, Nov 6

2:39

Two caught illegally whitebaiting after season end, nets seized

Western Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said it is "disappointing" the men were fishing illegally.

Wednesday 6:23pm

Three men found guilty of murdering missing man Anaru Moana

Moana, 37, vanished in December 2021 and his body has never been found.

6:09pm

Conservation Boards set to lose functions under new law

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the boards and the New Zealand Conservation Authority will continue to play an important role in managing conservation land.

6:00pm

Sale of historic high-country station expected to draw global interest

Mt Algidus Station has been listed on the open market and is expected to be one of the highest sales in the South Island this year.

4:55pm

Arrests after fireworks again aimed at police on Dunedin's Castle St

The disorder, described by police as "reckless and dangerous", followed similar scenes on Monday.

Thu, Nov 6

0:35

Firefighters respond to 30 fireworks-related calls on Guy Fawkes

Among them was a "reasonably large blaze" near Dunedin that required nine trucks and between 30 to 40 staff to fight.

Thu, Nov 6

2:39

Two caught illegally whitebaiting after season end, nets seized

Western Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said it is "disappointing" the men were fishing illegally.

Wednesday 6:23pm

VIEW MORE NEW ZEALAND STORIES

Latest

Popular

13 mins ago

Six-storey housing developments to be allowed on 44 Napier streets