Witness the Wolf Moon and Mars in a Rare Vanishing Act This Monday Night
On Monday night, the Full Wolf Moon will hide Mars in a stunning celestial event visible across Canada
Wolf Moon, Mars, Canada, Lunar Occultation, Astronomy
Calgary: If you’re in the mood for some stargazing on Monday night, you’re in for a treat! The Full Wolf Moon will be shining bright, and if the skies are clear, you might just catch a glimpse of Mars disappearing behind it.
This Full Moon rises just before sunset and will be visible all night long. It won’t dip below the horizon until after sunrise. Keep your eyes peeled, because Mars will be right next to it, and at some point, it will actually slip behind the Moon for a little while.
So, why do they call it the Wolf Moon? Well, it’s named after the time of year when wolves are more active and their howls can be heard echoing through the night. It’s a nod to the old traditions and folklore that have been passed down through the years.
As you look up, you’ll also see some other cool constellations like Gemini and Orion. Plus, bright stars like Procyon and Sirius will be twinkling nearby. It’s a whole celestial party up there!
Now, Mars is at its brightest right now, having just reached its closest point to Earth. This is a big deal because it won’t be this bright again until 2027. So, if you want to see it in all its glory, Monday night is the time to do it.
During the night, Mars will actually hide behind the Moon for a few minutes to over an hour, depending on where you are in Canada. If you’re in places like Winnipeg or Thunder Bay, you’ll have a great view of this rare event.
It’s pretty fascinating how these celestial events work. The path where Mars will disappear is quite wide, covering a good chunk of North America. If you’re south and east of a certain line, you’ll have the best chance to see it. But if you’re north of that line, you might miss out.
According to experts, Canada won’t see another event like this until the late 2030s or early 2040s. So, make sure to grab your friends or family, head outside, and enjoy this magical moment in the sky!