20 best spots to view 'super blue blood moon' in PH

MANILA - Space and astronomy buffs are putting their resources together to allow more Filipinos to get a closer look at the "super blue blood moon" that is expected to rise on the evening of January 31.

The Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS), in its Facebook page, invited the public to "observe the rare event" in observation stations "hosted" by different schools, organizations and individuals nationwide.

Most observation stations open between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. until midnight. Some areas, however, can only accommodate a limited number of people so advanced bookings may be required.

Astronomers consider the "super blue blood moon" a "very rare" celestial phenomenon as 3 lunar event coincide at the same time.

A "supermoon" is a full moon that appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the usual full moon. It appears when the moon orbits closest to Earth during its full phase.

A blue moon is the second full moon in a month, while a blood moon is seen when a full moon temporarily turns red during a total lunar eclipse.

The last time a "super blue blood moon" was seen in the Philippines was in in December 30, 1982, PAGASA said.