The Super Blood Wolf Moon – the second eclipse of January and 2019 – is pretty unusual. It sees a supermoon combined with a total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon. Supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to earth in its orbit. This makes it appear larger and 14 percent brighter than usual.
And if you are wondering, the name wolf moon is a reference to any full moon in January, with the name originating from Native American culture.
Apparently, local populations used to notice wolfs howling more noticeably when a blood moon was visible.
Where will the Super Blood Wolf Moon be visible this month?
The second lunar eclipse of this month is the only total eclipse of the year.
The full blood moon can be seen from North and South America, western Europe and Africa.
Skywatchers in western Europe and eastern Africa, plus parts of Asia will only see a partial eclipse of the moon.
But the UK will get an opportunity to watch the whole lunar spectacular from start to finish, although it means getting up early or staying up late.
The partial eclipse begins at 3.33am, with the total eclipse beginning at 4.41am and finishing at 5.43am.
Does the January Blood Moon mean the end of the world is nigh?
Christian conspiracy theorists are often behind claims that blood moons mean the end of the world is coming.
Christian pastor Paul Begley from Indiana is one of them.
The doomsday preacher has cited biblical passages in a video ahead of the arrival of the January 21 blood moon.
The US pastor said: “I believe it is a Super Blood Moon harbinger.
“The Bible tells us in the Book of Joel of how important a Blood Moon is.”
The passage he means – Joel 2:30-31 – talks about the Moon turning into blood and darkness descending upon the earth.
But do not worry – as it is not going to happen based on similar predictions not coming to fruition.