Posted in Cleveland January 10, 2019 by

The Next Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible From Cleveland And You Won’t Want To Miss Out

Nature is an incredible and moving force. The world around us thrives of its own accord, not even bowing to the power that is mankind. In fact, if anything, mankind is at the mercy of the elements – but that is not always a bad thing. This January will bring the first full moon of 2019, and with that full moon will come a unique natural phenomenon that’ll cast a rusty glow over our moon. Are you ready for an astronomical experience that’ll astonish you?

Each and every full moon that rises and sets over Cleveland is enchanting, no matter where it is viewed from.
Erik Drost/Flickr
However, this month's full moon will offer a spectacle you won't want to miss.
Erik Drost/Flickr
January 20th will bring a total lunar eclipse, the likes of which will surely leave you mesmerized.
Daniela/Flickr
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. Such an occurrence can only take place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are very closely aligned, with Earth smack-dab in the middle.
The eclipse will take place during the year’s first of three Super Moons and it will also appear as something known as a Blood Moon.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Super Moons occur when the Moon's orbit brings it closest to our planet. Such close proximity makes the moon look bigger and brighter than normal. The term Blood Moon refers to the red hue that is cast over the lunar disk as it moves into Earth’s shadow and is obscured from direct sunlight. The combination of the two will produce a truly marvelous view!
Additionally, this eclipse coincides with the first full moon of the calendar year, which is known as a Wolf Moon. Thus, this lunar event has been named a Super Blood Wolf Moon - try saying that three times fast!
Ralf Κλενγελ/Flickr
The partial eclipse will begin at roughly 10:33 p.m. on January 20th.
Vijesh K/Flickr
A rusty red hue will begin to overtake the moon as a total eclipse kicks off at 11:41 p.m. Just after midnight - at 12:12 a.m. on January 21st - the moon will move closest to the center of the shadow, making this the peak viewing time, though the total eclipse will be visible until 12:43 a.m.
By 1:50 a.m., the partial eclipse will end and the moon will return to its normal appearance.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Be sure to bundle up as you go outside to gaze at this wondrous occurrence, as the weather may still be rather wintry.
Erik Drost/Flickr
The eclipse will be visible all across the world, but Clevelanders are ecstatic for the opportunity to view such a beautiful event. If you want to avoid light pollution, consider visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park's 24-hour parking lots and trails at night.
This is one far-out event you won't want to miss - especially since it is the last time we will have a chance to see a total lunar eclipse until 2021!
Erik Drost/Flickr

The natural world is an incredible thing, and this epic event will doubtlessly go down in history as one of 2019’s most memorable moments. Where will you be viewing this stunning event from?

Fascinated by space? You’ll adore this local park that’s complete with a public observatory.