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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Alex Crowe

Stargazers brave the cold to capture a Super Blood Moon above the capital

A Super Blood Moon was captured behind the Australian American Memorial in Russell. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

A cold but clear night provided near perfect conditions to view the blood moon above Canberra on Wednesday night.

Crowds gathered on the lawns of Parliament House, while others left the city to escape light pollution for optimal viewing of the rare lunar event.

The Super Blood Moon, when a total lunar eclipse happens at the same time as the "super" moon, meant a brighter and bigger glow than usual.

About 8.30pm the red glow had spread across half of the moon, and the total eclipse occurred after 9.10pm.

Alongside professional photographer Ari Rex, many amateur snappers took the opportunity to test their night skills.

Many Canberrans took the opportunity to test their photography skilly.

Australian National University astrophysicist Brad Tucker said the Earth's shadow created an amazing orange-red glow that looked a bit like sunrise or sunset, with the phenomenon happening every five years or so.

"It doesn't happen that often to get this combination ... so it's definitely a special sight," Dr Tucker told AAP.

While it would be visible from parts of America, Dr Tucker said Australians had the privilege of one of the best and most convenient viewing times.

The rarest bit of this moon is that it happened in the early evening and not some time in the middle of the night, he said.

"You don't need special equipment ... you just need your eyes, because you can see the beautiful colours and details of the moon."

Early cloud on the east coast cleared in time for good viewing.

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