A supermoon happens when the moon is at it’s closest point of elliptical orbit to Earth making it appear larger and closer than usual. A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, earth, and moon are lined up with earth in the middle causing the sun to cast a shadow that illuminates the moon so it appears brighter. When both happen at the same time you get what many refer to as a “Blood Moon” because of the red shadow the sun casts on the moon.

This is a very rare occurrence that happened last in 1982 and if you miss it this time you won’t be able to see it again until the year 2033.

Nae McMillan Twitter

While some parts of the world will only have a partial view of this event, the east-coast of the United States will be in full view. You won’t need a telescope to get a glimpse of the “Blood Moon” since the moon appears 14 percent larger in diameter, about 30 percent larger in total, when at it’s closest point of elliptical orbit to earth.

The reddish tint that appears on the moon during a full lunar eclipse happens because the atmosphere filters out the blue light. A lunar eclipse will typically happen twice per year while a supermoon happens around 4-6 times per year; they happen simultaneously every few decades. This rare occurrence has only happened five times in the 20th century, and today will be the very first time of the 21st century! You don’t want to miss it!

To see pictures of the “Blood Moon” hit up the gallery!