The Super Wolf Blood Moon is coming and it’s one of nature’s miracles
And perhaps the title of the next chapter of the Twilight series?
Celestial and planetary phenomenons are a timeless fascination that continues to allure the attention of people all across the globe. On January 20, 2019, half of our beautiful earth will bask in the warm glow of the Super Wolf Blood Moon. People from the western shores of North and South America all the way to the western reaches of Europe will be able to view this lunar event.
What does Super Wolf Blood Moon mean?
Great question! As much as we can let our imaginations run wild channeling glittery vampires and angsty werewolves, we’ll just break down the term ‘Super Wolf Blood Moon’ into parts of the whole.
The Super Moon
Source: moon.nasa.gov
A supermoon is a full moon in the perigee of its orbit, meaning it is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit around our planet. Because of its proximity, it appears to be 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the satellite is in its furthest position, or apogee, as a micromoon. (Aww.) Those are significant figures that result in stunning photos like this one:
Credit: Jacob Zimmer/Zymage.com
The universe is just mind-blowing.
The Wolf Moon
Source: almanac.com
Native American culture assigns significant spiritual meaning to each full moon of the year and also uses it as a practical tool to keep track of the passing months. The Wolf Moon signifies the community of the wolf pack and its resourcefulness through the coldest months of the year. From The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “In Native American and early Colonial times, the full moon for January was called the Full Wolf Moon. It appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages.” Every full moon of the year is given a name and varies depending on the ascribed Native American tribe. The Wolf Moon is sometimes also called Snow Moon or Ice Moon.
Super Wolf Moon has a ring to it though, doesn’t it.
Blood Moon
Ominous in tone, the Blood Moon gives a prophetic, apocalypse vibe but also a little Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which we can totally get behind.
Source: www.express.co.uk
In reality, a blood moon has a scientific explanation behind its haunting good looks. The red hue of the Blood Moon is the eclipse. When our satellite is eclipsed by the shadow of the earth, light is refracted through our atmosphere around the planet, dimming our silvery man in the sky and casting a coppery tinge.
There are tons of ancient superstitions surrounding the Blood Moon. These stories mainly revolve around tragedies and deaths of kings, and they caused the rise of moon-centric rituals and traditions. But even today, many draw spiritual significance from the Blood Moon. Wiccan tradition observes blood moon events for the heightened energy in the atmosphere and followers collect moon water for use in rituals and spells. Astrologers also believe that the Blood Moon can have a meaningful impact on horoscopes.
All together now: The Super Wolf Blood Moon
There are a few reasons to step outside Sunday night and gaze up into our celestial skies. Here are a few:
- The next lunar eclipse won’t come around for almost a year and a half; the next show is scheduled for May 2021.
- This eclipse is the longest lunar eclipse of this century. Plenty of time from sundown to sunup to witness this rare astronomical event.
- It’s the first total lunar eclipse visible in its entirety, across the whole U.S. since 2010.
- It’s bigger, it’s better, it’s rarer, and while there will be other lunar eclipses in your lifetime, there may not be another Super (Badass) Wolf Blood Moon.
Go out, take in the chill of the January night with a warm mug and witness a phenomenon of a lifetime.
