Walking to the Sky

Strasbourg, France: A “Blood Moon” eclipse is photographed above the sculpture “Woman Walking to the Sky” by the American artist Jonathan Borofsky. Photo: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images.

Honeymoon

A bride poses for picture during the longest “Blood Moon” eclipse this century in Brasilia, Brazil. This eclipse coincided with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years to treat skygazers across the globe to a thrilling celestial spectacle. Photo: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters.

Here Comes the Moon

On Friday night, July 27, the longest lunar eclipse of the century (so far) will take place. Also known as a “Blood Moon”, this occurs when the sun, Earth and Moon align perfectly, putting the Moon in the Earth’s shadow. The Moon will be totally eclipsed by the Earth for one hour and 43 minutes. The red colouring is a result of sunlight refracting through the Earth’s atmosphere.

SuperMoon

SuperMoon Eclipse Boras, Sweden On 28 September 2015, a supermoon coincided with a lunar eclipse, resulting in this photograph of the moon in a striking shade of red. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly behind the Earth and is cloaked by our planet’s shadow. The only visible light is refracted through it, creating the unusual colour. Due to its red hue, a lunar eclipse is often referred to as a “blood moon”. Photo: Peter Folkesson/National Maritime Museum.

SuperMoon

NASA (@NASA)

月饼 (Mooncake)

NASA (@NASA)

A SuperMoon is seen last year over north-east England. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA. On Sunday, millions of people around the world will enjoy the shining of a “Blood Moon”, as a lunar eclipse combined with a “SuperMoon” combines to make our natural satellite appear red in colour.

• Super Blood Moon: Full Coverage of September 27 Eclipse