A rare Super Blood Wolf Moon will take place in January, as three factors coincide to create this daunting sounding phenomenon. A Super Moon, Blood Moon and Wolf Moon all take place at the same time. Watching the eclipse is a must for stargazers everywhere and this month’s eclipse is visible in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.
A Super Moon occurs when the Moon is closest to the Earth on its perigee – orbit – appearing larger than usual.
Every total lunar eclipse is also known as a Blood Moon, as the Moon changes colour to red or coppery hue.
This is due to light refraction during the eclipse when the Earth’s atmosphere blocks blue light rays but allows red ones to pass through.
Finally, Wolf Moon is the name given to January’s full Moon, named as Native Americans often heard wolves howling throughout January.
Read more: Eclipse 2019 path MAPPED: Track of lunar eclipse on Sunday
When is the total lunar eclipse visible, what time?
The total lunar eclipse takes place between Sunday, January 20 and Monday, January 21.
In Wisconsin, the eclipse is mostly visible on Sunday evening, with the end of the eclipse lasting until the early hours of Monday.
At 9.33pm Sunday, local time (3.33am Monday, GMT) the partial eclipse will begin and the Moon will begin to take on a red colour.
Total eclipse begins at 10.41pm Sunday, (4.41am Monday, GMT) when the Moon will be at its reddest.
The Moon will reach maximum eclipse when it is closest to the centre of the Earth’s shadow at 11.12pm Sunday, (5.12am Monday, GMT).
The eclipse will end at 12.50am Monday, (6.50am GMT).
How to watch the Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse
To best see the eclipse, heading into an open space away from artificial light would give the most unobstructed view.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse poses no risk to eyes so you can view the spectacle without eye protection.
Eclipses this year
- January 20-21, 2019 – Total Lunar Eclipse
- July 2, 2019 – Total Solar Eclipse
- July 16-17 2019 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
- December 26, Annual Solar Eclipse