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Solar Eclipse, 'Snow' Moon and Comet in a One Night Astronomical Triple Treat

© Photo : PixabayLunar eclipse
Lunar eclipse - Sputnik International
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Beware the werewolves, witches and lunatics as the weekend approaches and with it, a penumbral lunar eclipse, a "snow" moon and new year comet, in a triple astrological delight.

A prenumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the outer part of the Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra, according to Earthsky.org.

However, it's set to be a triple treat with the eclipse arriving at the same time as an impressive full "snow" moon and the fly-by of a comet.

The 'snow' moon, as it's been nicknamed, is because it's predictably the snowiest month in the US.

And then a few hours after the penumbral eclipse, Comet 45P, also known as the New Year Comet, will make its closest approach to Earth at just over seven million miles away, according to NASA.

"Comet 45P, visible after sunset over the last two months — through both binoculars and telescopes — makes its closest approach to Earth on February 11, when it will be 0.08 Astronomical Units from Earth. It'll be visible in the morning sky in the constellation Hercules… then on to Leo by the end of February," according to a blog on NASA's website.

NASA says the eclipse will be visible from Europe, Africa, western Asia and eastern North and South America.

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