Rare event for stargazers: Supermoon and lunar eclipse combined

WINNIPEG – If the weather cooperates Winnipeggers will be in for a special treat as they gaze high in the sky Sunday night.

A total lunar eclipse will combine with a supermoon to create a lunar event that hasn’t been seen since 1982.

When a full or new moon makes its closest approach to Earth, that’s what is called a supermoon. This full moon will look bigger and brighter than usual and will be the closest full moon of the year.

As the moon is eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow it can also turn a reddish colour, this is known as a Blood Moon.

READ MORE: How to watch Sunday’s supermoon lunar eclipse

Members of the Winnipeg Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will set up telescopes in Assiniboine Park Sunday evening to share the eclipse with the public. Telescopes will be set up north of the Pavillion by the footbridge.

If you’d like to take a closer look at the moon viewing will begin shortly after 8 p.m. and continue until around midnight.

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The total eclipse is set to start at 9:11 and end at 10:23 p.m.

If you miss it tonight you’ll have to wait until 2033 to catch it again.