The total lunar eclipse happening on October 8th marks the morning when people east of the Mississippi River might also be able to witness an extremely rare cosmic event called a selenelion.

The total lunar eclipse happening on October 8th marks the morning when people east of the Mississippi River might also be able to witness an extremely rare cosmic event called a selenelion.

This occurrence involves the beginning of sun rise happening at the same time as a full lunar eclipse on opposite ends of the sky.

A lunar eclipse happens when the sun and moon are 180 degrees apart with the Earth in the middle.

Selenelion is observed due to atmospheric refraction. The view of the moon appears to be above the horizon for several minutes after it has set, while the light of the sun appears a few minutes before it has risen.

If you are planning to observe the eclipse, or the selenelion, it is advised that you choose a location away from the lights of the city, and where the horizon isn’t obscured by buildings, trees or mountains.