How to see the total lunar eclipse this weekend

A total lunar eclipse will be visible over the region this weekend, giving stargazers a rare treat. The eclipse on Sunday has been dubbed a "Super Blood Moon" by Space.com. But what exactly is a Super Blood Moon eclipse, and when might you see one? When the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, it prevents the sunlight that would normally bounce off the moon. According to NASA, a total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and sun are exactly on opposite sides of the Earth. Despite the fact that Earth blocks the majority of sunlight, a small amount penetrates the atmosphere and causes the moon to seem red.

According to NASA, local watchers may expect to see the lunar eclipse begin around 10:27 p.m. and see the entire eclipse at 11:29 p.m. for about an hour and a half. So, what makes this eclipse a "Super Blood Moon?" Because the moon is at its closest approach to Earth this month, it is known as a supermoon. It's a blood moon because of the red color. As a result, the eclipse of the Super Blood Moon occurs.

"Each year, at least two partial lunar eclipses occur, but total lunar eclipses are uncommon." The NASA website states that viewing a lunar eclipse is safe. While there is some partial cloud cover in Boston's forecast, astronomer Silas Laycock, who leads the Schueller Observatory at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, told The Boston Globe that if the weather is clear enough, residents in the city and suburbs should be able to view the eclipse.