Clear skies predicted in Birmingham for ‘Super Blood Wolf Moon’ total lunar eclipse events

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Super Moon Huntsville
Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse in Huntsville taken in 2018, photo by Sam Calhoun

For skywatchers anxious to see the ‘Super Blood Wolf Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse on the evening of January 20, the Weather Channel forecast for Birmingham is clear and very cold.

As of Saturday morning, 36 hours from the astronomical event, meteorologists are predicting skies will be clear during the Sunday night event, while temperatures are anticipated to range from 27 to 32 degrees from 8:36PM when the eclipse begins till  1:48AM, when it ends.

Screen Shot 2019 01 19 at 11.14.32 AM Clear skies predicted in Birmingham for 'Super Blood Wolf Moon' total lunar eclipse events
Snapshot of the Weather Channel hourly forecast for Birmingham, January 20, between 8:00PM to 2:00AM

This will be the last lunar eclipse the U.S. will experience until May 26, 2021, according to Scientific American.

Totality is expected to occur at 11:12PM.

What make this lunar eclipse special? It coincides with a Supermoon.

According to NASA, this eclipse is being referred to by some as a super blood moon – “super” because the Moon will be closest to Earth in its orbit during the full moon (more on supermoons here) and “blood” because the total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a reddish hue.

Events in Birmingham

Samford and Oak Mountain State Park

In the Birmingham metro area there will be two evening viewing parties to witness this rare cosmic event. Here are the details.

Samford University Quad

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The Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University offers a consistent and unique opportunity to learn about the skies on Thursday nights. Photo provided by David Weigal

Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University will be hosting a viewing party on the quad of the campus starting at 8:00PM on January 20. The Planetarium, which offers regularly scheduled space and nature programs throughout the year, will make the event fun for families and kids. Visit their Facebook page for details and updates.

Oak Mountain State Park

Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park, Wasabi Juan's, holiday entertaining
Take in pristine nature at Alabama’s largest state park. Photo via Oak Mountain State Park’s Facebook page

Joined by the Birmingham Astronomical Society, Oak Mountain State Park is holding a viewing party at Lunker Lake, which is on the north side of the park.  The State Park is asking folks to arrive between 9:30PM to 10:30PM before totality at 11:12. Check out all the details, including items you will need to bring – HERE.

Last Lunar Eclipse till 2021

Don’t miss the ‘Super Blood Wolf Moon’ Eclipse. Remember, the next lunar eclipse for the U.S. will not occur until 2021.

Post your photos

Please feel free to post your photos of the eclipse in the comment section of Bham Now’s Facebook page.  It should be a perfect evening!

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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