A Phenomenon Called The Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse

First Nation's peoples had many names for the first moon in January.  One name we've appropriated is the, "wolf moon."  January is the month the nocturnal wolves howl.  Any moon eclipse makes the moon look red, and that's where the name, "blood moon," comes from.   The "super" refers to the size of the moon in the sky.  The next two months will all feature "super moons."

While Florida was expected to be cloudy on Sunday night, old man winter surprised us with a cold and clear sky, giving us the opportunity to see this phenomenon.  Although some people are disappointed that the moon does not look as dramatic as they expect (certainly not as dramatic as the sun in full solar eclipse), I suggest at the next lunar eclipse (in 2021) they take a few minutes to look at the rest of the sky, feel the change in the atmosphere and wind, and listen to the silence of the nocturnal animals.  Waiting for the solar eclipse gives you the same experience amplified, except the stars aren't particularly bright.

I got up last night just before midnight and hunkered down on the lanai steps.  Even though there was more ambient light than I'd liked, I was still amazed by the stars shining with an ethereal light.  Venus was so blue it almost glowed lavender.  As the constellations floated westward, I felt the wind pick up, tossing the tree branches to and fro - and then stop in a chilly quiet.  That same atmospheric response happened just before the 2017 solar eclipse in South Carolina.  Even the wildlife held its breath.  Before the solar eclipse the birds fell silent.  Before the lunar eclipse the frog's mating calls across the pond diminished then extinguished.  The dim red moon held court, spectators reduced to awed silence.

This morning around 6AM, the triumphant moon, radiating like a prize pearl,  slid below the trees, leaving only Venus basking in the fading glory.

Enjoy photos of the event and learn more about phenomenon called a lunar eclipse and a rare meteorite strike that happened during the event:

• A Meteorite Strike During the Lunar Eclipse - meteorites strike the moon regularly but nobody has ever recorded one striking during a lunar eclipse (11:41PM EST)

• Amazing Photos of the Super Blood Wolf Moon 2019

• Super Blood Wolf Moon of 2019 Thrills Skywatchers

• Why Does a Lunar Eclipse Get Called a Blood Moon - a lotta science, but a few "cusswords" in this factual article

Looking ahead:  January 26 at 9AM in Alpine Groves Park, water from three rivers, brought to the park by their Riverkeepers will be honored in ceremony then returned to their rivers of origin.  After the event, you are welcome to enjoy a tour of Beluthahatchee Park (just across the street) and learn about Stetson Kennedy, his lifelong homestead, and dear friend, Woody Guthrie.  See more info on this event and how you can help your neighbors during the government shutdown at January Items in www.firstcoastflora.info.