August, 2017 saw a total eclipse of the sun. Although not quite as show-stopping, 2018 has some gems in its line up too. To kick off a new year of wonder and design tracking, be sure not to miss the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of Wednesday, January 31. It is also a super moon and a blue moon. It is easy to watch, requires no special eye protection, and has an off the charts wow factor.
There are at least two lunar eclipses each year. This heavenly wonder event occurs when the moon's orbit takes it into the earth's shadow. As the moon slips into the earth's shadow, it takes on a reddish hue, giving it the creepy moniker of "blood moon." Due to predictable order and patterns in space, we know that two or three eclipses tend to occur within a short period of time. A solar eclipse always happens two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse.
The only problem with the January 31 eclipse is that it begins in the Phoenix area at 3:51 a.m., so you will have to pry your warm bones out of bed to see it the earth's shadow begin to sweep across the moon. However, complete coverage will occur at 6:29 a.m. so take your breakfast outside and start your day with a magnificent wonder. Look to the north/northwest low on the horizon. If you do not live in Phoenix, check the eclipse map to see if the eclipse will be visible in your area. As expected and right on schedule, also watch for the partial solar eclipse on February 15, 2018.
Wonder Questions for Young Trackers
- What causes the light we see coming from the moon?
- Why does the moon's appearance change each night?
- What causes the moon to look red during an eclipse?
- What do you think people a long time ago thought was happening when they watched a lunar eclipse?
- Do you think animals notice the changes in the moon?
- Does a lunar eclipse help us or hurt humans in any way?
- What do you wonder about a lunar eclipse?
References and Resources
timeanddate.com - Total Lunar Eclipse
Image: Public Domain Pictures
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