The Wolf moon, the primary full moon of the 12 months, will shine vibrant within the sky Monday night time.
The title “Wolf moon” refers back to the first full moon after the winter solstice. It’s derived from Native American tradition. The title is “meant to point the truth that round this time of 12 months, wolves howl so much,” mentioned Hunter Miller, astronomy educator at Adler Planetarium.
However that’s not all.
Chicagoans will even get to witness a lunar occultation of Mars and a parade of planets.
What’s a lunar occultation?
A lunar occultation happens when the moon passes in entrance of an object, mentioned Miller. An occultation is just like a photo voltaic eclipse — when the moon passes throughout the solar.
At 8:07 p.m., stargazers in Chicago will see Mars disappear behind the moon. Mars will then reappear on the opposite aspect of the moon at 9:17 p.m.
Lunar occultations can occur a number of instances a 12 months, however they solely happen each couple of years with every planet, Miller mentioned. Ocultations are additionally “location particular,” so not all people in all components of Earth will get to see them.
What are you able to anticipate to see?
On Monday night time, the total moon will shine brightly excessive within the sky, and Mars will seem like a star subsequent to it.
Viewers wanting carefully will have the ability to spot the dusty pink floor of the Pink Planet, Miller mentioned.
“It’s a fairly distinctive factor to get to see occur, and all the time thrilling to exit and take a look at, particularly when we’ve a surprisingly clear day in January right here in Chicago,” Miller mentioned.
Nonetheless, Mars is just one of a parade of planets that might be seen.
What’s a planet parade?
A planet parade happens when a number of planets are seen within the night time sky.
Together with Mars, stargazers will have the ability to spot Jupiter and Venus, Miller mentioned. Each Jupiter and Venus will even seem like vibrant stars.
In accordance with Miller, Mars might be largest and brighter because it nears Earth and approaches opposition, when Mars is on the alternative aspect of Earth because the solar. The Pink Planet might be in opposition Wednesday at 8:32 p.m.
