Bundle up, walk outside and look up Sunday night.
It’s that simple, really, to see an astronomical phenomenon with a very complicated name. It’s the Super Blood Wolf Moon.
The moon will be in eclipse starting at about 7:30 p.m. Denver time. Totality will hit about 10:12 p.m., and the eclipse will end about 12:48 a.m. Monday.
Now, let’s take that name one word at a time.
Astronomers call this a “super” moon because it’s a little closer to Earth than usual so it looks at least a little bigger than your average moon.
It’s a “blood” moon because during an eclipse the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking shorter wavelengths — the blues and greens — allowing longer wavelengths like oranges and reds to filter through.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Native Americans and early colonists called January’s full moon the “wolf moon” because it came at a time when wolves were active and hunting outside villages.
Viewing Tips
When It Starts
The eclipse will be viewable statewide, weather willing. In Denver it begins around 7:30 p.m. and totality will be at about 10:12 p.m. The eclipse will end about 12:48 a.m. Monday. Find the time and path for your city here.
What To Wear
It’s nighttime. It’s January. It’s Colorado. So: dress warmly.
Where To Look
You can easily see the moon with the naked eye. Binoculars will let you suss out more detail of craters and other features. A telescope gives you an even more refined view.
Do I Need Those Eclipse Glasses?
No danger in watching the lunar eclipse — there’s no call for special glasses like you’d need for a solar eclipse.
What If I Want To Take Photos?
Documenting a lunar eclipse is pretty easy. You can even make it work on a phone camera, but for the best results, use a DSLR and a tripod. For more settings details, read on here.
Where?
Watch a live stream here. Or, attend a viewing party. Here's some suggestions:
Boulder
- 2414 Regent Dr., Boulder
- Free. No RSVP Required.
- 9-11 p.m.
Colorado Springs
U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium
- Free. No RSVP required.
- 7-10:30 p.m.
- Visitors can enter through the North Gate at 6:30 p.m. and park in the lot next to the planetarium.
Garden of the Gods Visitor Center:
- 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs
- Free. No RSVP required.
- 7-10 p.m.
Denver Metro
- 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton
- Free. RSVP required, call 303-659-6005.
- 8:30-10:30 p.m.
- 3400 Havana Way, Denver
- Free. RSVP required, email [email protected].
- 7-11:15 p.m.
Fort Collins
- Madison-Macdonald Observatory
- 1251 East Dr., Fort Collins
- Free. No RSVP required.
- 8:30-10 p.m.
Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
- 3340 Carpenter Rd., Fort Collins
- Free. RSVP required here.
- 8:30 p.m. - Midnight
