'Super Blue Blood Moon' 2018: What it is, when it's happening and why you should see it

You've heard of a supermoon, a blue moon, and a blood moon, but have you ever heard of a "Super Blue Blood Moon"?

The Super Blue Blood Moon is a long-awaited event for devoted and amateur sky-watchers alike, representing a rare opportunity to witness the annual cosmic treat.

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As a Blue Moon, the moon will be the second of two full moons slated to appear in January -- the first full moon will shine on the night of Jan. 1st. The Blue Moon will make its own appearance several weeks later on Jan. 31.

The moon will cap a series of three straight full moon supermoons, in which the full moon orbits close enough to Earth to become a supermoon.

The moon will also pass into the Earth's shadow, staging a total lunar eclipse, which is also why it has been dubbed a Blood Moon.

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The rare moon will be visible to those observing in North America or the Hawaiian Islands only during the morning hours before sunrise on Jan. 31.

However, for those viewing from the Middle East, Asia, Indonesia, Australia or New Zealand, the lunar eclipse will be visible in the evening hours following sunset on the same day.