Super Blue Blood Moon Hovers Over Central Texas Skies Wednesday

AUSTIN, TX — If you're up and about Wednesday morning, you might want to look heavenward. A rare and spectacular lunar event dubbed the "Super Blue Blood Moon" will be visible for the first time in more than 150 years.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the best time to experience this rare celestial event will be from approximately 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. just before sunrise on Wednesday morning, Jan. 31.

So what is the "Super Blue Blood Moon" anyway? It's when a blue moon, super moon and total lunar eclipse cause a "blood" moon effect all on the same night — an occurrence upon which humans haven't gazed upon since 1866. The "blood" dynamic is achieved by a lunar eclipse which will be visible for some 20 minutes.

NASA reports: “If you live in the Central time zone, viewing will be better, since the action begins when the moon is higher in the western sky. At 4:51 a.m. CST the penumbra — or lighter part of Earth’s shadow – will touch the moon. By about 6:15 a.m. CST the Earth’s reddish shadow will be clearly noticeable on the moon.”

What you'll likely see is a big orb suffused in a reddish tint, appearing some 14 percent larger than usual. A blue moon happens about once in every 2.7 years, according to Space.com. Moreover, this will be the first blue moon lunar eclipse since 1866, one year after the American Civil War, according to EarthSky.org.

Depending on visibility and geographic location, the unusual moon will be visible for 77 minutes. The early morning full moon passes over the shadow of the Earth, casting an orange hue. The "blue moon" dynamic occurs because it will be the second full moon in the calendar month. The moon achieves its "super" status given its larger appearance and a brightness that is 13 percent greater than normal.

Potentially playing the role of foil in this celestial drama will be the clouds. The forecast for Austin calls for partly cloudy skies in Austin on Wednesday. Check that: The National Weather Service is calling for "mostly sunny" skies with a high near 67 degrees. Southerly winds will be gentle between 5 and 15 miles per hour. The best part: No rain is being forecast, with a zero change of precipitation.

Here's the image used by the National Weather Service, imbuing us with hope for a clear view of the celestial trifecta:

Let's hope meteorologists are correct in their prognostication, and every vestige of clouds will dissipate come morning to provoke a collective sigh of awe and amazement at the free show to be put on by Mother Nature.

>>> Photo of supermoon lunar eclipse by Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images