Remember in 2017, when Colorado experienced the famous solar eclipse, but didn’t get the full effect? Well, another astronomical phenomenon is just on the horizon (see what I did there?) and this time, Coloradans will have a front row seat! Read on to find out just when and where to watch the upcoming total lunar eclipse.
Turn your eyes to the sky on January 20th to catch a glimpse of this year’s total lunar eclipse - and it will be your last chance to see one until 2021. Don’t miss it!
Flickr/Vijesh K
Let’s start with a few basics: a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are perfectly aligned. As the moon passes directly behind Earth, it is shielded from sunlight and the Earth’s shadow is cast on the lunar surface.
Wikimedia Commons Fun fact: Unlike a solar eclipse (where only a small area gets to experience the full effect), the lunar eclipse can be viewed from almost anywhere in the world where it is nighttime!
While you may have been lucky enough to watch a lunar eclipse in the past, this one is extra special, as it also happens to be a Super Blood Wolf Moon.
Flickr/Rob Pettengill What the heck does that mean? You may be familiar with the term Super Moon, which describes when the moon is at the closest point to the Earth during its orbit, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. You may have also heard of a Blood Moon, which describes the reddish color that the moon takes on when it passes into Earth’s shadow. But have you ever heard of a Wolf Moon?
A Wolf Moon is simply the term for the first full moon of the year, which usually takes place in January. The name comes from the observation that wolves tend to howl more frequently during this time of year because their breeding season peaks during February.
The celestial show beings at 7:36 p.m. Mountain Time, as the moon slowly begins to make its way into Earth’s shadow, and will continue until 12:48 a.m. on January 21st.
Wikimedia/Downclouding To catch the eclipse at its max (when the moon is closest to the center of the shadow, known as the totality), make sure you’re looking up at 10:21 p.m., though the moon will be fully shadowed from 9:41 p.m. to 10:43 p.m.
Another fun fact: the lunar eclipse will appear to take place in the constellation of Cancer. Though the moon and stars are billions of miles apart, the alignment does provide an opportunity for a little stargazing while you’re out there!
Wikimedia/Tomruen
As this will be the last lunar eclipse until May of 2021, you definitely don’t want to miss it! Mark your calendar and cross your fingers for clear skies on January 20-21 so we can see it in all of its glory!
Flickr/Jannis
Will you be watching the upcoming Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse? (Try saying that three times fast!) If you snap some photos, make sure to share them in the comments below or on our Colorado Nature Lovers Facebook group. We can’t wait!
Flickr/Vijesh K
Wikimedia Commons
Fun fact: Unlike a solar eclipse (where only a small area gets to experience the full effect), the lunar eclipse can be viewed from almost anywhere in the world where it is nighttime!
Flickr/Rob Pettengill
What the heck does that mean? You may be familiar with the term Super Moon, which describes when the moon is at the closest point to the Earth during its orbit, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. You may have also heard of a Blood Moon, which describes the reddish color that the moon takes on when it passes into Earth’s shadow. But have you ever heard of a Wolf Moon?
A Wolf Moon is simply the term for the first full moon of the year, which usually takes place in January. The name comes from the observation that wolves tend to howl more frequently during this time of year because their breeding season peaks during February.
Wikimedia/Downclouding
To catch the eclipse at its max (when the moon is closest to the center of the shadow, known as the totality), make sure you’re looking up at 10:21 p.m., though the moon will be fully shadowed from 9:41 p.m. to 10:43 p.m.
Wikimedia/Tomruen
Flickr/Jannis
Before the eclipse, make plans to have dinner at This Mouthwatering 2-Story Restaurant In Colorado Is As Unique As They Come.
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