Celestial phenomenon: ‘supermoon’ set to coincide with lunar eclipse

For the first time in more than 30 years, a 'supermoon’ will coincide with a lunar eclipse. Supermoons occur when a full moon makes its closest approach to Earth, and appear bigger and brighter than usual. This time it will coincide with a full lunar eclipse where the moon, Earth and sun will be lined up, with the Earth’s shadow totally obscuring the moon and making it appear reddish in hue. The whole celestial show takes about an hour and half and will be visible to those in the United States, Europe, Africa and western Asia Sunday night or early Monday. This so called 'super blood moon’ last occurred in 1982 and won’t return again until 2033.

When the moon enters the deepest part of earth’s shadow, that’s when it turns that beautiful orangey-copper colour, or sometimes blood red colour.

Andrew Fazekas, the Night Sky Guy and science writer.

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