We only get to see a supermoon a few times a year. And we get total lunar eclipses even less often. Either one of these things is pretty special on its own — and they're even more awesome when they happen at the same time. Luckily, many of us in North and South America, Africa, and Western Europe should be able to witness at least part of the spectacular supermoon lunar eclipse this Sunday, the 27th.
A lunar eclipse happens when the moon makes its way directly behind the earth and the sun, ending up in our shadow. This is also called a "blood moon" because it will look a little extra orange-y red — the perfect way to welcome fall. A supermoon occurs when the full moon hits at its closest-to-earth orbit point. So, it ends up looking 14% larger than normal.
According to NASA, these things have only happened together five times since 1910; the last time we saw this was in 1982. If you miss it this week, you won't have another chance to see it until 2033!
The actual total eclipse will begin just after 10 p.m. Eastern Time and will go until around 11:30 p.m. But the moon will start to head into our shadow around 8 p.m. and won't leave until 1 a.m. — you can make a whole night of it if you want the full experience. So let's all prayer-hands-emoji for clear (and not too chilly) weather this weekend.
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