This coming Sunday, Sept. 27, Earth will witness a magical treat: a total supermoon lunar eclipse.
A supermoon happens when a new or a full moon is closest to Earth. It's also known as a "blood moon" because the moon appears reddish in color. This is caused by the Earth blocking the sunlight that normally reflects the moon.
Noah Petro, deputy project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at NASA explains the phenomenon. "Because the orbit of the moon is not a perfect circle, the moon is sometimes closer to the Earth than at other times during its orbit. When the moon is farthest away it's known as apogee, and when it's closest it's known as perigee. On Sept. 27, we're going to have a perigee full moon--the closest full moon of the year," he said.
NASA explains that at perigee, the moon is about 31,000 miles closer to Earth. This makes the moon appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter in the sky.
It's a fairly common phenomenon, but what makes Sunday's supermoon special is that it will coincide with a total lunar eclipse. This means that the moon, sun, and Earth will all be aligned, so the moon will pass through the Earth's shadow.
This rare phenomenon last happened in 1982 and if you miss this Sunday's astronomical show, your next chance will be in 2033. Here's a guide to help you with your sky-watching:
This Sunday's total supermoon lunar eclipse will last 1 hour and 11 minutes. That's plenty of time to catch it. It can be seen in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and some parts of West Asia. It will be visible as soon as the moon rises, and the eclipse will shadow beginning at 8:11 p.m. ET. According to NASA, the total eclipse will start at 10:11 p.m. ET, peaking at 10:47 p.m. ET.
Andrew Fraknoi, chair of the astronomy department at Foothill College, stated at KQED Science that the best spot is an open, high space.
"Many of us don't have a view of the eastern horizon -- a building or a hill might be in the way. But by the time the eclipse ends, he says, the moon will have risen considerably in the sky, and it will be be easier to glimpse," he said.
He also recommends to check the weather in advance. Astronomy enthusiasts are wishing for clear, cloudless skies for a better view.
The good news is you don't have to have a telescope to witness the sky show. The moon will be visible as long as the skies are clear, and looking at the blood moon will not do damage to your eyes.
NASA will also be livestreaming the event.
