A Rare Lunar Eclipse On January 20Th Will Be Visible From Utah

The new year just got started, but 2019 is already shaping up to be fabulous for those who love to spend time gazing heavenward. There’s a rare lunar eclipse happening in just a few weeks, and it will be visible from right here in Utah, so make plans now to view it!

When you look up into the sky on the evening of January 20th-21st, you’ll see a striking sight - the moon will turn red as we experience a total lunar eclipse. People are calling this event a “Super Blood Wolf Moon,” and it only occurs every few years. Let’s take a look at what that means:

B.K./flickr

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth, and moon align perfectly. The moon passes into the sun’s shadow, which makes it take on a red glow. That stunning red color is why people call this a “blood moon.”

NASA Goddard’s Space Flight Center/flickr

On January 20th, we’ll also experience a “super moon,” because when the eclipse occurs, the moon will be in its closest position to the earth in its orbit around the planet. During a super moon, you’ll see the moon appears larger and brighter than normal.

Elton Menchick/flickr

A “wolf moon” is simply the first full moon in January. This nickname doesn’t have much to do with the spectacular event that you’ll witness - but it does sound cooler than “full moon,” doesn’t it? A Super Blood Wolf Moon is basically three events happening at once, and it’s fairly rare. The next time this will occur is May 26, 2021.

Amy Walker/flickr

The Super Blood Wolf Moon total eclipse will begin on January 20th at 7:36 p.m. MST, when the sun’s shadow starts to hit the face of the moon. By 8:33 p.m., you’ll start to see the moon glow red, and at 10:12 p.m., the moon will be at full eclipse. As the moon begins to emerge from the sun’s shadow, the red color will start to fade, and the eclipse will be completed by 12:48 a.m. on the morning of January 21st.

DAVID MELCHOR DIAZ/flickr

So where’s the best place to view this amazing event? Anywhere where the sky is clear. The eclipse will be visible across the United States, but luckily for us, we won’t have to stay up too late to catch the best part. You can view the Super Blood Wolf Moon with your naked eye, or use a telescope or binoculars to see it even closer.

Rick Fogerty/flickr

Where will you be for the lunar eclipse of January 2019?