Super Moon Lunar Eclipse 2015: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Super Moon Lunar Eclipse 2015: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, The super moon lunar eclipse is tonight, September 27, and it will likely be a gorgeous view. This is the first time we’ve had a supermoon “blood moon” since 1982, and we won’t have a chance to see another one for 30 years. This special eclipse has also been the source of many rumors and doomsday prophecies, but astronomers and stargazers alike are excited about seeing a beautiful coppery moon.

Here’s what you need to know about seeing the super moon eclipse tonight.

On Sunday night, September 27, the total eclipse of the moon will begin around 10:11 p.m. Eastern Time (9:11 p.m. Central) and last a little over an hour, according to NASA. But you’ll likely want to turn your eyes to the skies earlier than that. The moon will begin to dim around 8:11 p.m. EDT and you’ll be able to see a noticeable shadow starting around 9:07 p.m. To best see the moon, you need an unobstructed view to the east, where the moon rises, Accuweather advised.

The eclipse will be visible in most parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, parts of West Asia, the eastern Pacific, and Africa, NASA reported. However, the weather will play a huge role in just how clearly you can see this beautiful sight. According to Accuweather, areas in the United States around Boston, the Plains, and the Southwest will have the clearest views.

Although weather predictions can change, Accuweather currently predicts that parts of the East coast may have a tougher time seeing the moon due to a storm system. Washington D.C., for example, may have a less clear view than Boston. The clouds will extend into the Ohio Valley and possibly push west. In addition, Florida may have obstructed views from a storm in the Gulf, but it shouldn’t reach areas like Tulsa, Oklahoma or Little Rock, Arkansas. Because weather forecasts can change, keep an eye on storm patterns to see how views will be in your region.

If you can’t see the super moon eclipse, you can still watch it through a number of live feeds. NASA will broadcast a live stream of the moon from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time that includes feeds from the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Fernbank Observatory in Atlanta, and other U.S. locations. A NASA physicist will also be on the feed, explaining the eclipse and answer questions sent to him via Twitter. You can watch the stream at this link.

The Slooh Community Observatory will broadcast a live stream from different locations across the world, including Stonehenge, Wired reported. You can watch that feed at this link. It’s available for free when you join the Slooh community.

Since 1910, a supermoon lunar eclipse has only happened five times, NASA reported. The last time was in 1982 and you won’t have another chance to see one until 2033. What makes this event special is that it’s occurring while the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, a stage in its orbit called perigee. This is 31,000 miles closer to the Earth than at the farthest point in the moon’s orbit, called an apogee. While this is happening, there will also be a lunar eclipse where the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to cover the moon. This will give the moon a beautiful dark reddish, coppery color.

Stargazers and astronomists alike are incredibly excited about this rare event. A few people, such as megachurch pastor John Hagee, have been predicting mayhem and apocalypse from the rare supermoon eclipse, but most people are just excited. Here are a few comments being shared online:
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