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Skywatchers are preparing for a lunar eclipse, which some describe as "super-blood wolf moon".
During the spectacular event, Earth's natural satellite takes on a glowing red hue.
The entire eclipse will be visible from North and South America, as well as in parts of Western Europe (including the United Kingdom) and North Africa.
What's a total lunar eclipse?
This type of eclipse occurs when the Earth passes precisely between the Sun and the Moon.
In this situation, the Sun is behind the Earth and the Moon is moving in the shadow of the Earth.
Will the moon appear red?
Yes. Some commentators refer to the event as a "blood wolf super moon". The "super" part comes from the fact that the Moon will be close to its closest approach to the Earth – when it will be slightly larger than usual in the sky. The "wolf" part comes from the name given to the full moons in January – "moon wolves".
Walter Freeman, assistant professor at Syracuse University in New York, said: "A little sunlight is refracted by the Earth's atmosphere and reaches the moon, curving around the Earth. red light always illuminates the moon is enough for us to see it. "
Where and when can I see it?
The eclipse starts at 2:35 GMT on Monday and ends at 07:49 GMT, but the period when the entire Moon appears in red occurs at 5:12 GMT.
In the UK, the Moon will be above the horizon throughout the eclipse, although the sun has risen to the far south-east of England at the end.
This eclipse will also be visible in northwestern France, northwestern Spain, Portugal, a small part of West Africa, almost all of North and South America, the eastern Pacific and the northeastern tip of Russia.
Is it safe to watch?
Although solar eclipses are dangerous to see directly, the light from lunar eclipses is much weaker and so is perfectly safe to watch without special equipment.
Why is it important?
The event is the last chance for UK observers to see a total lunar eclipse in its entirety until 2029 – weather permitting.
See the latest forecasts here.
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