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The super moon is one of the rarest phenomena in the world
A super moon, a blue moon and a lunar eclipse all fall on the same day and the spectacle has not been seen in more than a century.
The total lunar eclipse will turn the moon red – a Blood Moon – because of the reddish-orange glow the Moon takes on during the eclipse.
However it will not be visible everywhere in the world, but NASA teased that “lucky folks” will witness it in large parts of the US, northeastern Europe, Russia, Asia, the Indian Ocean, Pacific and Australia.
The January 31 supermoon marks the fourth blue moon and total lunar eclipse in North America to appear at the same time in more than 150 years.
The American space agency said: “What do you get when you have a supermoon, which also happens to be the 2nd full Moon of the month, passing through Earth’s shadow during a total lunar eclipse? A Super Blue Blood Moon!”
Pictures have already started to come through of the spectacle which has awed many people.
Minnesota, Wisconsin and northern parts of Michigan will see the thickest clouds.
However, New England, New York, Piedmont and the south-east coast will have clearer views of the incredible event.
Images of the first rare supermoon of 2018
Tue, January 2, 2018
The first full moon of the year named after wolves is the second of a series of three ‘Supermoons’ – dubbed the ‘Supermoon trilogy’.
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A ‘Full Wolf Moon’ which is a supermoon rises by the Cullera Castle in Cullera, Valencia, eastern Spain, 02 January 2018
Texas, Oklahoma and California will also see clear skies.
The direction of an Arctic cold front positioned over the Plains states could impact the visibility over Washington state, Idaho and Wyoming.
Despite the forecast lack of visibility in some areas, the cloud could clear in time for observers to take in the super blue blood moon.
The rare total eclipse takes place on Wednesday, January 31, combining three lunar phenomena: A supermoon, a blue moon and a blood moon.
Reuters
A blue moon rises over Balboa Park’s California Tower in San Diego, California
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Moon rising at dusk in Cali Colombia
Viewers can expect to see a blue moon – the second full moon in a calendar month – orbiting closer to the Earth than usual, making it seem up to 14 percent larger in the sky.
If that wasn’t enough there will also be a total lunar eclipse, which is often described a blood moon because of the way the moon turns a gorgeous coppery red.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves directly behind the Earth’s shadow, or umbra, meaning it cannot receive any light from the Sun.
EPA
Super moon over Beirut
NASA program executive Gordon Johnston said: “The next full Moon will be on Wednesday morning, January 31, 2018, appearing ‘opposite’ the Sun at 8:27 AM EST.
“The Moon will appear full for about three days around the time of the full Moon, from Monday night through Thursday morning, possibly even into the early part of Thursday evening.”
The whole eclipse will be visible in Australia, eastern Asia and parts of Canada, while the west coast of the US is also set for some spectacular views.
PA
Moon rises behind Saffron Square building in Croydon
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Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul
Mr Johnston explained: “For the continental US, the viewing will be best in the West. Set your alarm early and go out and take a look.
“Weather permitting, the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii will have a spectacular view of totality from start to finish.”