Biggest 2010 Full Moon Rise

The Jan. 29 & 30 Full Moon  will be the "largest" Full Moon of 2010, because the Moon is Full at 1:18 am, Sat., Jan. 30, and at Perigee (closest to Earth) about 2.7 hours later.   The Moon's Orbit, like virtually all Orbits, is an Elipse.  Moon will be closest to Earth since Dec.12, 2008.  Astronomical Tides will be unusually high.  The Full Moon in January is often called the "Wolf Moon".  Most cultures named the Full Moons.  We get our Full Moon names from Europeans, Native Americans, and primarily - Colonial Americans.  There were more wolfs in Colonial America and their howling was more noticed in January.

The 5As have been doing a Full Moon Rise program at Mt. Pollux since 1995, primarily on Sunday of a FMR.  This Friday, Jan 29, I went to Mt. Pollux to catch the 1st of the FMRs this week-end.  It was well below freezing, with a strong wind with viscious gusts.  Couldn't stay long.  Saturday, Jan. 30, I intend to catch the 2nd FMR at Mt. Pollux at 5:55 pm - 1 hr., 22 mins. later than today's.  The Moon will be a deeper orange color, rising in a darker sky.  You are welcome to join me and view this spectacular sight, as the orange Moon clears the horizon and turns a steely white-grey, as it climbs higher in the sky.  Over-Dress warmly.  It will be frigid and more windy on Mt. Pollux.  Call me at 256-6234 or email this site, if you want to come.  I'll supply Binos, if you need.

By - Tom Whitney