A lunar eclipse coincides with a so-called “supermoon” in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England September 28, 2015. Sky-watchers around the world are in for a treat Sunday night and Monday when the shadow of Earth casts a reddish glow on the moon, the result of rare combination of an eclipse with the closest full moon of the year.
Stargazers were treated to a rare astronomical phenomenon when a total lunar eclipse combined with a so-called supermoon.
Those in the United States, Europe, Africa and western Asia were able to view the coupling, weather permitting, Sunday night or early Monday.
It was the first time the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won’t again until 2033.
When a full moon makes its closest approach to Earth, it appears slightly bigger and brighter than usual and has a reddish hue.
That coincides with a full lunar eclipse where the moon, Earth and sun will be lined up, with Earth’s shadow totally obscuring the moon.