Those up early could have a “spectacular” view Wednesday morning of the lunar trifecta known as a ‘Super Blue Blood Moon,’ a blue moon, supermoon and total lunar eclipse all the same night.
The Jan. 31 full moon is unique for three reasons, according to NASA. It’s the third in a series of “supermoons,” when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, and about 14 percent brighter than usual. It’s also the second full moon of the month, commonly known as a “blue moon.” The super blue moon will pass through Earth’s shadow to give viewers in the right location a total lunar eclipse. While the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow it will take on a reddish tint, known as a “blood moon.”
The last “Super Blue Blood Moon” happened in 1982 and the next won’t occur until 2037, according to the Associated Press.
In California, viewers may be able to see the total eclipse phase from start to finish, according to NASA. The umbral eclipse begins at 3:48 a.m. At 4:51 a.m., totality will begin, with best viewing between about 5 and 6 a.m., according to NASA. The totality phase ends about 6:05 a.m.
