Supermoon glides into Earth's shadow

September 28, 2015 at 6:32PM

Stargazers were treated to a rare astronomical phenomenon when a total lunar eclipse combined with a so-called supermoon.
Depending on the weathter, it was visible in North and South America, Europe, Africa and western Asia on Sunday night or early Monday.
It was the first time the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won't again until 2033.
When a full moon makes its closest approach to Earth, it appears slightly bigger and brighter than usual and has a reddish hue.
That coincides with a full lunar eclipse where the moon, Earth and sun will be lined up, with Earth's shadow totally obscuring the moon.
In Los Angeles, a large crowd filled the lawn of Griffith Observatory to watch the celestial show while listening to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" played by 14-year-old pianist Ray Ushikubo.
"You always want to see the eclipse because they're always very different," said astronomer Edwin Krupp, the director of the hilltop landmark.
Krupp said the additional component of the earth's atmosphere adds "all kinds of twists and turns to the experience."
"What we see tonight will be different from the last event: how dark it is, how red it is. It's always interesting to see," he said.

A total lunar eclipse took place of the "Supermoon" Sunday night with viewing conditions and mosquito levels near perfect in Minneapolis.
A total lunar eclipse took place of the "Supermoon" Sunday night with viewing conditions and mosquito levels near perfect in Minneapolis. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
A plane flies in front of the so-called supermoon during a lunar eclipse Sunday, Sept 27, 2015 in Geneva, Ill. It was the first time Sunday that the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won't again until 2033 (Jeff Knox/Daily Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT
A plane flies in front of the so-called supermoon during a lunar eclipse Sunday, Sept 27, 2015 in Geneva, Ill. It was the first time Sunday that the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won't again until 2033 (Jeff Knox/Daily Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Earth's shadow begins to obscure the view of a so-called supermoon during a total lunar eclipse Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Lecompton, Kan. It's the first time the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won't again until 2033. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Earth's shadow begins to obscure the view of a so-called supermoon during a total lunar eclipse Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Lecompton, Kan. It's the first time the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won't again until 2033. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Catherine Preus — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
A super moon rises over the Lower Fox Creek School near Strong City, Kan., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. It was the first time Sunday since 1982 that a total lunar eclipse was combined with a supermoon. (Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; MAGS OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; LOCAL INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
A super moon rises over the Lower Fox Creek School near Strong City, Kan., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. It was the first time Sunday since 1982 that a total lunar eclipse was combined with a supermoon. (Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; MAGS OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; LOCAL INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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