Animated image of a lunar eclipse

When:

Sunday, January 20, Totality at 9:12 p.m. PST (12:12 a.m. EST)

Where:

Total eclipse visible in North and South America and western parts of Europe and Africa

Target Audience:

General Public

Overview:

Viewers in North and South America, as well as those in western parts of Europe and Africa, will be able to watch one of the sky's most dazzling shows on Jan. 20, 2019, when the Sun, Earth and Moon align at 9:12 p.m. PST (12:12 a.m. EST), creating a total lunar eclipse. The full moon will also be at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, called perigee. While at perigee, the Moon appears slightly bigger and brighter from our perspective on Earth, so it's often referred to as a "supermoon." But does it really look as super as some say?

Check out these Teachable Moments from NASA/JPL Edu to find out how to watch a lunar eclipse and see what causes them to occur – plus learn more about supermoons and what to expect when one comes around.

Try these related projects for students and lessons for educators to get students engaged in and excited about our only natural satellite!

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