The first full moon for 2010 is also known as the wolf moon and will shine brightly on the last weekend in January. Add to the night of sky-watching a mix of Mars and you have quite the spectacle as the moon and Mars increase in brightness.
Fox News notes in a report on the origins of the term 'wolf moon' it (is) "a moniker dating back to Native American culture and the notion that hungry wolves howled at the full moon on cold winter nights..."
How bright will it be? Thanks to Mars, expect some serious light.
According to a report from National Geographic, "The 2010 wolf moon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our cosmic neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than usual."
Robin Scagell, from the Society for Popular Astronomy is cited by the UK Guardian and said: "Mars is looking really quite red and impressive at the moment, and the moon will be full. It's going to be a great sight and rather fun to look for."
The report notes that it is best to get away from light pollution and pack it to the country and for optimal viewing, "A pair of binoculars and a clear out-of-town sky will reveal an added bonus - the "beehive" star cluster - between the two objects, said Scagell.
Source: By Gene Byrd
Jan 29, 2010
 |
| Full Moon 2010 - Wolf Moon & Mars Equal Big Night for Skywatchers |
Fox News notes in a report on the origins of the term 'wolf moon' it (is) "a moniker dating back to Native American culture and the notion that hungry wolves howled at the full moon on cold winter nights..."
How bright will it be? Thanks to Mars, expect some serious light.
According to a report from National Geographic, "The 2010 wolf moon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our cosmic neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than usual."
***
Robin Scagell, from the Society for Popular Astronomy is cited by the UK Guardian and said: "Mars is looking really quite red and impressive at the moment, and the moon will be full. It's going to be a great sight and rather fun to look for."
The report notes that it is best to get away from light pollution and pack it to the country and for optimal viewing, "A pair of binoculars and a clear out-of-town sky will reveal an added bonus - the "beehive" star cluster - between the two objects, said Scagell.
Source: By Gene Byrd
Jan 29, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment