There will be a partial eclipse of the moon on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Because of its timing, it will not be visible in North and South America, but will be visible over most of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The event will also mark the second full moon of the month in North America, thereby garnering the title of “blue moon.” Unless unusual atmospheric circumstances come into play — such as widespread dust from a volcano — the moon will not be blue, however.
Eclipses of the moon occur twice a year, on average. Each eclipse is visible only on the half of the Earth turned towards the moon at the time the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon.
