A Lunar Trifecta

For you observers of the night sky January is the month that keeps on giving.  Tomorrow, on the evening of January 20^th - if conditions are good - you may have an opportunity to view a very rare lunar eclipse.

This phenomenon turns the moon a ruddy red giving rise (pun intended) to the name Blood Moon.   This event coincides with a super moon (when the moon is closest to the Earth).  The coincidence of a super moon becoming a super blood moon won't happen again until 2036 – so if viewing conditions are good for you this is an opportunity you will not want to miss.   It also happens to be the first full moon of the New Year – known as a Wolf Moon.

photo - NASA

 

A rare super bloody wolf moon – a lunar trifecta! 

For optimal viewing conditions find yourself a location with a minimal amount of light pollution.  The moon will begin passing through the earth’s shadow at 8:36 p.m. CST.  It will achieve full totality – and safe to view without special glasses - at 11:12 p.m. CST and conclude at 1:48 p.m.  The duration of the full eclipse is 1 hour and 2 minutes. 

Raising a toast to clear, winter night skies and viewing the heavens.......