Early-rising Oklahomans will have the chance to view a total lunar eclipse Wednesday morning.
Why is it called a "super blue blood moon" eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse is when the moon is completely inside the shadow of the Earth.
A “supermoon” is a full moon that occurs when the moon is near perigee, or closer to Earth in its orbit. According to NASA, the moon is about 14 percent brighter during this time.
Wednesday’s moon will also be the second full moon of the month, which is commonly referred to as a “blue moon.”
When it passes through the Earth’s shadow, or is eclipsed, the supermoon will take on a reddish tint, hence the nickname “blood moon.”
What will the total lunar eclipse look like?
“During the partial phases, you’ll see Earth’s shadow kind of creeping down from the top of the moon,” said Chad Ellington, a volunteer with NASA’s Solar System Ambassador Program and adjunct professor of Astronomy at Oklahoma City Community College.
According to Ellington, as the moon moves closer to totality, you will see a slight color change.
“You’ll start to notice a bit of a reddish color on the darker side of the moon. Basically, what you’re witnessing is sunlight...still shining over there on the moon,” he said.
What time does the eclipse start?
The partial phases of the lunar eclipse begin in Oklahoma Wednesday around 5:50 a.m.
It will take approximately one hour for the moon to pass completely into the Earth’s shadow, meaning it will not be completely eclipsed until around 6:50 am.
Ellington recommends checking the moon about every 10 minutes starting at 5:50 to see the whole process.
You can find more details about eclipse timing in Oklahoma here.
Where can I get the best view? Do I need any special viewing equipment?
While residents of the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii have the best views, Oklahomans can still catch a glimpse.
The eclipse is going to be very low in the sky to the west. Ellington recommends a clear west-northwest horizon for the best viewing.
You should be able to see the eclipse with the naked eye, but Ellington said you can grab a pair of binoculars if you want a closer look.
You can also watch a live feed of Wednesday’s moon on the NASA website here.
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