All you need to know about the eclipse of superluna Sunday and Monday – BBC

Image copyright Thinkstock

Image caption Since 1910 only five eclipses occurred superluna.

This Sunday night and Monday morning we will have the opportunity to see an astral spectacle that does not happen very often: an eclipse of superluna. Ie, a superluna which also coincides with total lunar eclipse

Read. Why superluna eclipse on Sunday worries NASA

You have some basic things about this curious phenomenon.

What is a superluna?

The term superluna was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle about 30 years ago to describe the full moon or new when it is at its closest point to Earth.

This is because the satellite describes an elliptical orbit around our planet.

Image copyright Thinkstock

Image caption When the moon is in its point closest to the Earth, is 384.500Km away.

At its closest point, the moon is 384.500Km Earth.

For a superluna occurs, the day the satellite is at perigee, the name by which the closest known point must coincide with the full moon, when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, or the new moon, when the satellite is positioned between the Earth and the sun.

Being closer, the moon looks brighter and bigger 14% than usual.

How common it is a match superluna a lunar eclipse?

Pretty rare. Since 1910 it has happened only five times.

in 1910, 1928, 1946, 1964 and 1982

Image copyright EPA

Image caption If you miss this, the next will be in 2033.

The last time, in December 1982, was only visible in the Pacific.

The next time will be in 2033 and will be only from the Pacific.

So if you love astronomy, better get ready to enjoy the show this year.

Where will see?

It depends, of course, the place you’re in. But it can be seen in more than half of the world including the Americas, Europe, Africa, western Asia, and eastern Pacific.

The phenomenon last a one hour and eleven minutes to start 02:11 GMT.

Specifically, what will be in heaven?

When the moon enter in the area of ​​shadow cast by the Earth does not go completely dark or out of sight but will turn red.

Image caption If you have binoculars at hand, the better.

For this reason it is called Blood Moon many times.

As the sun’s rays will not fall directly on the moon, its surface will be Milder illuminated by rays reflected by the earth’s atmosphere.

The red light will bend around the Earth and the moon light, while the blue light will scatter away into the atmosphere.

Do I have to protect my eyes to watch the eclipse?

Unlike a solar eclipse, it goes without eye protection.

eclipse can be observed directly. And while no need special equipment, if you have a pair of binoculars to hand you can see it in more detail.

What if it’s cloudy or the weather is ugly?

Bad luck.

But do not be discouraged, NASA broadcast the event live on its website for those who for various reasons they can not see, from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama .