Smog-Free Evening Looks Set to Give Unobstructed Views of Tonight's Super Blue Blood Moon

In a trifecta of astral phenomena not seen together since almost 152 years ago, Beijing will bear witness to a super blue blood moon tonight from 7.48pm onwards.

The event, which is in fact three separate lunar happenings in one – a supermoon courtesy of the moon's orbit being at the closest point to the Earth, a blue moon given that it's the second full moon in a single calendar month (an event that in itself occurs every 2.7 years), and a blood moon on account of there also being a lunar eclipse which gives the moon a red hue as light is refracted by the Earth's atmosphere – makes it particularly special.

Best of all, whereas we'd usually bemoan never being able to see the sky thanks to the thick layer of smog that accompany's Beijing's winter, this year has been particularly great on the clear sky front (read why here) and tonight will be no different.

AirVisual forecasts an AQI of 50 and below, allowing for unobstructed views of the moon to the southeast during the 77-minute eclipse. The moon will begin to enter the Earth's shadow at 7.48pm and become completely obscured by 8.51pm. For a detailed breakdown of the exact times and direction of the eclipse, click here.

Even though the smog seems to be on our side, you'll also want to find a location with reduced light pollution and fewer tall buildings for the best views of what's sure to be a spectacular sight. If you do miss it, however, don't worry too much as the next total lunar eclipse will occur on Jul 28, though of course we can't guarantee such clear skies.

Image: Amazon, Giphy