Best Places to See Super Blue Blood Moon

NASA reveals which parts of the country will have the best views of the super blue blood moon, as well as whether you'll need glasses to look at it safely.

On Wednesday, January 31, you can witness the 2018 super blue blood moon. And here's the thing: You won't need special glasses to see it (unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses won't damage your eyes). According to a NASA press release, viewers will see a total lunar eclipse. And while the moon is in the Earth’s shadow, it will have a “blood” red hue.

Referred to as the third “supermoon” (or closest to the Earth’s orbit), it will be brighter than usual. And because it’s the second full moon of the month, it’s also called a “blue moon.” All together, this Super Blue Blood Moon is one space fans are looking forward to. The last time this “lunar trifecta” occurred was 150 years ago, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“For the (continental) U.S., the viewing will be best in the West,” said Gordon Johnston, a NASA executive, announced last week. “Set your alarm early and go out and take a look.”

If you’re far from the West Coast, you’ll probably see a partial lunar eclipse, but not change in the moon’s color. Denver will be one of the first U.S. cities to see the full spectacle at 5:51 a.m., according to Travel + Leisure.

Residents and visitors in Hawaii, Alaska, Australia and Eastern Asia should be able to see the eclipse from start to finish, according to the NASA press release. The farther east you are located, the later you’ll be able to witness the total or partial eclipse.

Not available to set your alarm so early this year? The next total lunar eclipse (though not a “super blue blood moon”) will be visible January 21, 2019.