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Super blood moon UK 2019: When is the lunar eclipse and where can I watch it? Everything you need to know

A rare lunar phenomenon will be visible from the UK on Monday.

Known as a "super blood moon", a glowing red eclipse will delight astronomers and enthusiasts for around three hours on January 21.

The first lunar phenomenon of the year will see the moon appear red as the Sun's light is completely blocked out by the earth.

Here is everything you need to know about the "super blood moon eclipse" and where you can see it with your own eyes.

What is a "super blood moon eclipse"?

The blood moon visible over the Thames in east London last year (Twitter/@AJBC_1)
The blood moon visible over the Thames in east London last year (Twitter/@AJBC_1)

The rare event is a combination of TWO celestial phenomenons - a total lunar eclipse and a supermoon.

Known as a blood moon, a total lunar eclipse causes the moon to glow blood red as the shadow of the earth casts a hue on the moon as it passes directly between the sun and the moon.

Sunlight filtered through the earth's atmosphere bounces back onto the moon's surface, and because the light waves are stretched out, they appear red when they strike the moon's surface.

This is what gives the moon its reddish tinge which, while not "blood" red as its name suggests, has a copper-like colour.

Anna Ross, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory, previously told the Standard: "We only see them from here in the UK about once every other year, and it will also coincide with a supermoon (so when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth in its orbit).

"These events only coincide around one every in three total lunar eclipses making it even more exciting."

A supermoon happens only when a full moon aligns with the point closest to the earth in the moon's elliptical orbit.

During this time, the moon will appear 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than usual as it reaches its closes point to Earth.

When is the super blood moon?

The best time to see this lunar spectacle from the UK will be just before 5.15am on January 21.

Visible over the Americas and northern and western Europe, the event is set to start just after 2.30am and will last until 7.48am - meaning you can catch it anywhere outside.

Some parts of the very edge of western Africa will be able to catch a glimpse of the event, while the rest of Europa and Asia will only get to see a partial eclipse towards the end.

Where to watch the super blood moon

For the best view, experts advise that you find an open, unobstructed space away from light pollution with clear sight of the sky. This is all weather permitting, of course.

London also has some fantastic spots where you can sit back, relax and gaze up at the moon.

Other lunar events to look out for

July 16-17: Partial lunar eclipse (some of the light received by the Moon from the Sun will be blocked out by the Earth)

November 11: Mercury Transit (the planet will be visible passing in front of the surface of the Sun)