Look up! Rare ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’ coming Jan. 31

A supermoon appears bigger and brighter. During a "perigee", when the moon is closest to earth in its orbit, it will appear about 14 percent bigger than when its at it's farthest (or about 7% bigger than an average full moon). It will also appear 30% brighter than when the moon is farthest from earth (or about 16% brighter than an average full moon).

A blue moon too. This will be the second full moon of the month, known as a blue moon.

A total lunar eclipse, thus "blood moon" too. The super blue moon will pass through Earth’s shadow and give the Midwest region a view of a total lunar eclipse. The moon appears to turn a reddish color hence the term "Blood Moon".

Residents living in the Central Time Zone will have the best viewing since the action begins when the Moon is higher in the western sky on Jan. 31, according to NASA officials. The eclipse will be more difficult to see in the lightening pre-dawn sky, and the Moon will set after 7 a.m. as the Sun begins to rise.

“So if you live in Kansas City or Chicago, your best viewing will be from about 6:15 until 6:30 a.m.,” said Gordon Johnston, program executive and lunar blogger at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He went on to say, “Again, you’ll have more success if you can go to a high place with a clear view to the West.”

You won’t want to miss this lunar eclipse because NASA says you’ll have to wait almost another year for the next opportunity in North America!

When: Wednesday, January 31st, best viewing 6:15 a.m. until moon sets near 7:00 a.m.

Where: Look to the western sky, seek out high ground with clear view west.

For more information about the “Super Blue Blood Moon”, visit NASA’s website.

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