Super Blood Moon is scheduled to bright up the skies on January 20 and 21, 2019. During the rare lunar eclipse, the Moon will appear red or reddish brown. This Super Blood Moon is also known as 'Wolf Moon' or Super Blood Wolf Moon. Most parts of Asia including India, some parts of western Europe and Africa will not be able to witness this celestial event.

Super Blood Moon happens during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth passes in between the Sun and the Moon. This event blocks the Sun's light from directly falling on the Moon making the moon look red. It is a result of the light that manages to pass from the edges of the Earth's atmosphere and brighten the Moon's surface. Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse on January 20, 2019: Know What is Total Lunar Eclipse and Why is it Called Wolf Moon.

Royal Museums Greenwich explains the event saying, "During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon usually turns a deep, dark red because it is illuminated by light that has passed through the Earth's atmosphere and has been bent back towards the Moon by refraction. Dust in the atmosphere blocks out the higher frequency blue light waves, but the longer wavelength of red light comes through."

The previous lunar eclipse took place on July 27 last year. According to National Geographic, on January 21, 2019, the total lunar eclipse will begin at 10:11 am IST on January 21 and will last for an hour and two minutes. However, experts have assured people against such predictions and to not believe in such claims. Scientists say that the changes in the colour are due to refraction phenomenon and nothing related to the apocalypse.

Meanwhile, some say that the supermoon is a sign of an apocalypse and thus bringing up doomsday claims. According to some, this Supermoon will fulfil one of the Biblical prophecies which says that the moon will turn red in colour during the last days. A similar eclipse will occur only on May 26, 2021, making the event rare and special.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2019 01:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).