The first 'supermoon' eclipse for more than three decades is coming to our skies on the night of September 27-28, just a fortnight after a partial solar eclipse that, sadly, most of the world will miss (unless you live in southern Africa, that is).
A supermoon is a full moon at the closest point to Earth in it's lunar orbit, appearing 7% larger and 30% brighter than normal. The Moon's orbit is egg shaped – elliptical rather than circular – creating a supermoon, also known as a 'Perigee moon'.
Perigee moon by Mary Spicer
The supermoon total eclipse will become visible from 1am on Monday September 28. By 2am, the supermoon will begin to be partially eclipsed, reaching total eclipse and turning red as it enters the penumbra (the Earth's shadow) at 3.52am, before ending at 5.27am.
A very late night, we know, but as the first supermoon eclipse since 1982 – and the last until 2033 – we reckon it'll be worth feeling a little extra groggy on Monday morning to witness this special astronomical event.
Eclipse map by Larry Koehn
Supermoon eclipses are special occasions: we've only had five since the turn of 1900. Plus, we can also expect it to display an eerie tint of red as the sunlight is bent by the atmosphere of the Earth, making a beautiful 'blood moon'.
Just try to ignore the fact that some say it's a sign of the end of the world...
Eclipse map by Larry Koehn
The eclipse will be visible anywhere in the UK, and the moon will be high in the sky, putting on a great show.
If you want to head out to watch this lunar spectacular, your back garden isn't a bad shout, but here are our top Bristol viewing spots:
Narroways Hill Nature Reserve, St Werburghs, BS2 9YT.
Clifton Downs Observatory, Litfield Road, BS8 3LT.
Brandon Hill Park, Park Street. BS1 5RR
Victoria Park, Bedminster, BS3 4DP
Troopers Hill, St George, BS5 8BT
Wherever you go,let someone know where you're off to, wear warm clothing, take a flask of hot drink and something comfy to sit on, and enjoy.
For more information about the eclipses or upcoming astronomical events please look at Today's Night Sky, which kindly supplied some of the imagery above.
If you take a picture of the supermoon, feel free to share it with us, via our Facebook or Twitter pages.
Find more things to do in Bristol.