The first lunar eclipse of the decade will darken skies on Friday, Jan. 10—but not in North America.
January’s full Wolf Moon (which reportedly appeared when wolves howled in hunger) is a penumbral lunar eclipse, visible mainly in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
In a rather slapstick episode, the Moon will miss Earth’s dark umbral shadow, traveling instead through out planet’s outer faint penumbra. Viewers might notice a slight darkening of the planetoid, but don’t expect a celestial blackout.
It’s certainly no Super Blood Wolf Moon total lunar eclipse.
U.S. skywatchers can catch a digital glimpse via the Virtual Telescope Project’s live online feed, which starts at noon ET on Friday and shows the Moon over the skyline of Rome.
This is the first of 2020’s six eclipses—two solar and four lunar—and the second of this season (starting with the solar eclipse on Dec. 26, 2019). The next is set for June 5.
Another total lunar eclipse will occur in May 2021.
Don’t worry if you miss January’s full Moon: There are 12 more chances to see one this year. Earth’s satellite will reach its fullest potential twice in October, marking a Blue Moon.
It’s easy to forget that these celestial events are more than just the galaxy showing off: They can also teach us more about the composition of Earth’s skies.
Various factors affect the appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse. Clouds, dust, ash, photochemical droplets, and organic material in the atmosphere change how much light is refracted into the umbra, according to NASA.
The space agency, meanwhile, captured another celestial showcase this week.
Record-breaking astronaut Christina Koch on Monday tweeted a composite image of the Quadrantids meteor shower (along with the northern lights), captured from the International Space Station.
More on Geek.com:
- The Full Moon is Electric, Boogie Woogie Woogie
- NASA Shows Off New Lunar Lander Concept
- NASA Cracked Open a 47-Year-Old Moon Rock
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