Much of the country flocked to the zone of totality for 2017’s total solar eclipse. IN just a few days, another amazing astronomical event is happening and you won’t even have to travel anywhere or purchase special eyewear to see it. On January 20th and 21st, we will be experiencing a Super Blood Wolf Moon. The moon will turn a gorgeous shade of red for more than an hour and experience a total eclipse and you’re going to want to play to see it. Here’s everything you need to know:
This month, a "super blood wolf Moon" will appear in the night sky. Overnight from January 20th – 21st, the Moon will give off a reddish glow. The unique-looking Moon is the result of three lunar events – a total lunar eclipse, super moon, and wolf moon - all happening at once. It's a fairly rare occurrence and it's well worth staying up for.
The term "super moon" means the full or new moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. For this eclipse, the moon will be high in the sky, plus in its super moon phase, making it easy to see. The term "wolf moon" refers to the first full moon of the year.
You're going to have to stay up a bit late for this one and it is a school night, but we promise it's well worth it. Plan for a nap, set your alarm and head outside to check out this pretty amazing and spectacular sight. The first portion of the partial eclipse phase will begin at 10:33 p.m. here in Wisconsin. The total eclipse phase will begin at 11:41 p.m. on January 20. The moon will be in a total eclipse for a little more than an hour, which is when it will reach it's full blood moon, orangey-red hue. The full coverage of the eclipse will happen at 12:12 a.m. and then end at 12:43 a.m. The last shadows will leave the moon at 2:48 a.m.
Unlike the solar eclipse, this one doesn’t require any special viewing glasses. It’s not harmful to look at the Moon, so all you need are your eyes and a clear view of the night sky. If you have binoculars or a telescope, you can use them safely.
When the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up perfectly the shadow cast by Earth falls across the Moon. If the alignment is perfect, the result is a total lunar eclipse. The blood color comes as light passing through the Earth’s atmosphere is refracted back towards the Moon.
Though this event is rare, it's no sign of impending doom or any other such nonsense. About a third of the lunar eclipses that will happen this century will coincide with the super moon portion of the moon's cycle. It is, however, gorgeous and riveting and another sign of just how spectacular and amazing our galaxy is and that alone is reason to lose a bit of sleep and stare up at the sky for a bit.
