And because lunar eclipses coinciding with a super moon are rare, it is extraordinary.

But what does it all mean?

Witnessing a “super moon” is common. This is when the full or new moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit, appearing larger and brighter than normal.

Native Americans and Anglo Saxons named the January full moon the “wolf moon” because of the howling from wolves as they fought hunger in the winter months.

But something that is less common is the “super blood moon.”

According to Parkland College’s Staerkel Planetarium, “A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Full Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. Given the Moon’s orbit is five degrees off Earth’s orbital plan, most full moons miss Earth’s shadow.

“The darkest part of Earth’s shadow will encroach upon the Moon at 9:34 p.m. CST. The Moon will be completely in shadow by 10:41 p.m. and will remain there for about an hour. The Moon will begin to emerge from the shadow at 11:44 p.m., leaving a Full Moon in the sky again by 12:51 a.m. Monday.   

“At mid-eclipse (11:12 p.m.), the Moon may take on a reddish hue, often referred to as a “blood Moon”. The sight has nothing to do with blood, however. It occurs because sunlight, bending through Earth’s atmosphere, often hits the Moon; the atmosphere then scatters some of the blue part of the spectrum (what brings our blue skies), leaving this reddish light.  

Dark skies are not needed to see a lunar eclipse, and unlike their solar counterparts, they are very safe to watch.”

The last super blood moon was in September of 2015.The next total lunar eclipse will take place on May 26, 2021.

Staerkel Planetarium will join the CU Astronomical Society in making telescopes available to the public for the Sunday, Jan. 20 eclipse starting at 9 p.m., weather-permitting.  

This lunar viewing is not a planetarium show; it will be held outside. CUAS members will be outside the planetarium beginning at 9 p.m. observing the eclipse.

Call the planetarium at 217/351-2567 for updates to the viewing if the weather seems uncertain.  

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But at night, when the people gather inside their homes, foot traffic on the trails quiets.

Part of this is because the Champaign County Forest Preserve parks are only open during day time hours. But on January 17 and 19, Homer Lake Forest Preserve will open their gates for an annual January full moon hike from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

“This is to give people the opportunity who may not experience being on the trails at night,” Jennifer Wick, Public Program Specialist for the Champaign County Forest Preserve, said. “It’s a really great experience, and there is a lot to be seen. Seeing nature at night is just as exciting as daytime; there are different things to observe at different times.”

Wick begins the hike with a presentation about the moon cycle indoors. As participants venture onto the hiking trails outdoors, she encourages them to not use artificial light so that the group can talk about how other senses will be heightened when vision by moonlight is limited.

During the family hike on January 17, Wick plans interactive activities so that children can learn more about night vision for humans and wild animals.

The adult hike on January 19 is a little longer walk where visitors will take time to look up at the moon, view constellations, and maybe even experience wildlife.

“Out here at Homer Lake, it’s just going to be darker than it is in town because we don’t have a lot of lighting throughout the park and we are also a little bit outside of town,” Wick said. “You’re just able to see more.”

“If you’re from Champaign, you can’t see the stars very well, even on a clear night. Being out here gives them an opportunity to really get to see the stars in the sky.”

Being removed from town and traffic also offers visitors an opportunity to hear more, too.

“It’s really just a no interruption experience to listen and observe nature at night,” Wick said. “Whereas it might seem like there is nothing going on, there actually is a lot to hear and see at night.”

Participation in the full moon hike requires registration as there are a limited number of spots available. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled and will not be rescheduled.

A $3 fee is charged for persons over the age of 2. Registration by January 16 is required, and can be completed by calling (217) 896-2455 or emailing jwick@ccfpd.org.

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