Sunday night is all about the ‘Super Blood Wolf Moon’— here’s 2 watch parties happening in Dayton

Credit: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Credit: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

From Florida to Oregon, America’s eyes will be on the night sky Sunday night.

Just before midnight for the eastern half of the United States, the so-called “Super Blood Wolf Moon” total lunar eclipse will be in prime viewing position. And while you could enjoy the phenomenon in your own backyard, what could be more fun than watching with fellow Dayton astronomy lovers?

Super Blood Wolf Moon? Mark your calendars for a lunar eclipse

Caesar Creek Nature Center and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery are both hosting special Super Blood Wolf Moon events.

>>What is special about the “Super Blood Wolf Moon”?

A “super” moon occurs when the moon is especially close to earth, while a “wolf moon” is the traditional name for the full moon of January, when the howling of wolves was a sound that helped define winter, according to The Farmers Almanac.

"In a total lunar eclipse, the moon never goes completely dark. Rather, it takes on a reddish glow from refracted light as the heavenly bodies move into position - hence the "blood moon" moniker. The more particulate or pollution in the atmosphere, the redder the moon appears," according to a Reuters article.

🌕Watch Party at the Boonshoft

The Astronomy Department at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is hosting a celebration of the Super Blood Wolf Moon Sunday night beginning at 10 p.m. Because this is a late event, the Boonshoft is requesting anyone planning to attend to RSVP on Boonshoft's website.

Schedule of Events: 

10 p.m. -  Visit the planetarium for a lighthearted game about werewolf movies, moon trivia and more.

10:30 p.m. - View the premiere of new show: Seeing! A Photon's Journey Across Space, Time and Mind, narrated by Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

11 p.m. - Weather permitting, journey outside to watch the eclipse with binoculars and telescopes to view the moon as it enters the Earth's shadow with experienced astronomy staff.

WANT TO GO?

WHEN: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20

WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton

COST: $5 suggested donation at door or online

INFO: Facebook | Website

🌕Guided Hike at Caesar Creek

This daytime event happening at Caesar Creek is a cool way to learn all about the big event before it happens at night. People will meet at the Nature Center, located across the road from Pioneer Village, for a 3-mile guided hike.

"The hike starts at 1 p.m. in the afternoon. Learn about the soon coming Super, Blood, Wolf, Full Moon Eclipse (that happens later that night), and a few of our summer moonlight canoe/kayak paddle excursions, the Meteor Shower Campout, and other 'out of this world' programs," according to the event page.

WANT TO GO?

WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20

WHERE: Caesar Creek Nature Center, Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville

COST: Free

INFO: Facebook

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