Weather in the Foothills

“Beauty is a form of genius – is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.”
~ Oscar Wilde

To ring in the New Year, the world played spectator to a stellar show as the year’s first super moon appeared on Jan. 1. Once again, with the cooperation of the weather, sky watchers are preparing for an even rarer event: a blue moon total lunar eclipse.

In any month in which there are two full moons the second full moon is referred to as a “blue moon.” The already intriguing event takes on another description of a “rare phenomenon” when it coincides with a total lunar eclipse on Jan. 31. The moon ordinarily takes on a reddish or copper color during an eclipse as it passes through the earth’s shadow so, when the eclipse occurs on the second full moon of the month, it is known as a “blue blood moon.”

This exact and rare combination of lunar events hasn’t been seen in over 150 years; astronomers and common folks sky witnessed the last “blue blood moon” on March 31, 1866.

The phrase “blue moon” has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon, although a literal “blue moon” (the moon appearing with a tinge of blue) may occur in certain atmospheric conditions; e.g., if volcanic eruptions or fires leave particles in the atmosphere.

And it gets even better with the addition of a total lunar eclipse. Those living in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands or the western part of North America have the best view of the astronomical event. Set your alarm early the morning of Jan. 31 for a lunar trifecta: a pre-dawn “super blue blood moon.” For optimal viewing, totality is between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Never seen the word “trifecta?” Me neither! It first appeared in dictionaries in the early 1970s. Originally its definition applied to horseracing in which the first, second, and third place finishers are chosen. Now it is commonly used to define three related events. In this case, super, blue and blood come together with the eclipsed moon.

We’ll have an optimal “weather trifecta” for the lunar eclipse with above average temperatures, clear skies and mild Santa Ana winds. An image of a howling wolf comes to mind. Attention, Crescenta Valley coyotes: we are listening!

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.