The setting moon seen from the “Senior Summit” of Piestewa Peak.

But this is not just the setting moon. This one is the “Wolf Moon.” When we saw this moon were speculating about why we are paying more attention to the lunar cycle in recent years. How did the idea of giving specific names to moons become much more popular recently. I have an idea why it might be.

In cities for the last hundred years or so burning fossil fuels have made smog and the smog has to some extent obscured the view of the moon and the stars. At the same time light pollution has made the night sky invisible. That we are noticing, and naming, the moons again is a positive sign that the urban skies are getting cleaner. Congratulations.