Sky watchers await the "blood wolf super moon"

Sky watchers are preparing for a lunar eclipse, which some refer to as a "blood wolf super moon."

During the spectacular event, the natural satellite of the Earth becomes a striking red.

The full eclipse will be visible from North and South America, as well as parts of Western Europe (including the United Kingdom) and North Africa.

What is a total lunar eclipse?

This type of eclipse occurs when the Earth pbades precisely between the Sun and the Moon.

In this situation, the Sun is behind the Earth and the Moon moves towards the shadow of the Earth.

Will the red moon appear?

Yes. Some commentators refer to the event as a "super blood wolf moon." The "super" part comes from the fact that the Moon will be close to its closest approach to Earth, when it will be a bit larger in the sky than normal. The "wolf" part comes from the name given to the full moons in January: "moons of wolf".

Walter Freeman, an badistant professor of teaching at Syracuse University in New York State, said: "The atmosphere of the Earth refracts a little bit of sunlight and reaches the Moon, tilting around the edges of the Earth. This small amount of red light still illuminates the moon enough for us to see. "

Is it safe to look?

While solar eclipses are dangerous to see directly, the light of lunar eclipses is much weaker and, therefore, it is completely safe to see without special equipment.

Why is it significant?

The event is the last chance for sky watchers in the UK to see a total lunar eclipse in its entirety until 2029, weather permitting.