--- ---  # Here's How to Watch a Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse and Comet Light Up the Sky on Friday ## Video: See the Best Views of the Supermoon From Around the World [Watch (HLS stream): See the Best Views of the Supermoon From Around the World](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/WKgyPGuv.m3u8) (0:58)  _Published 2016-11-14. The brightest moon in almost 69 years will be lighting up the sky this week in a treat for star watchers around the globe._ by [Abigail Abrams](https://time.com/author/abigail-abrams/) ## Abigail Abrams Feb 9, 2017 10:56 PM UTC  PENZANCE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Clouds clear to allow a view of the final full moon of the year, a so-called 'Cold Moon', as it appears behind lights illuminating Penzance seafront on December 13, 2016 in Cornwall, England. The last full moon of the year was also the final supermoon of 2016\. The natural phenomenon occurs when the perigee (closest approach by the Moon to Earth) coincides with it being full (completely illuminated by the Sun). (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) PENZANCE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Clouds clear to allow a view of the final full moon of the year, a so-called 'Cold Moon', as it appears behind lights illuminating Penzance seafront on December 13, 2016 in Cornwall, England. The last full moon of the year was also the final supermoon of 2016\. The natural phenomenon occurs when the perigee (closest approach by the Moon to Earth) coincides with it being full (completely illuminated by the Sun). (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)Getty Images by [Abigail Abrams](https://time.com/author/abigail-abrams/) ## Abigail Abrams Feb 9, 2017 10:56 PM UTC February blues got you down? This time of year can seem dreary when temperatures drop and the sun sets early. But this Friday, nature is giving everyone an excuse to get out of the house and appreciate its wonders. Friday will feature a full moon, a lunar eclipse and a green comet sighting — all on the same night, [Weather.com](https://weather.com/science/nature/news/snow-moon-eclipse-comet) reports. The festivities start early Friday evening with February’s full moon, called the Snow Moon. This nickname comes from Native Americans who used the moons as a way to track the seasons, according to the [_Old Farmer’s Almanac_](http://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-february). Instead of seeing a traditional round circle lighting up the sky, people will observe a penumbral eclipse, when the moon, sun and Earth align to create a subtle shadow, according to [EarthSky](http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/what-is-a-penumbral-eclipse-of-the-moon). Penumbral eclipses can be difficult to see because they are less dramatic than a total or partial eclipse. But this one will likely appear as a dark shading across the moon’s surface, EarthSky reports. People who live on the east coast will first be able to see the Earth’s shadow around 5:32 p.m., according to [Space.com](http://www.space.com/35627-february-full-moon.html). The moon will grow dimmer over the next few hours and the eclipse will peak at 7:43 p.m. EST. It should take another two hours for the moon to get back to normal, and by 9:55 p.m. you can expect the moon to be completely outside Earth’s shadow. In other parts of North America and the western part of South America, the eclipse will reach its peak before the full moon has risen. In East Asia, observers may miss part of the eclipse because the eclipse will peak while the moon is setting there. But regardless of where you watch from, the middle of the eclipse time will be the most interesting, according to [_Sky & Telescope_](http://www.skyandtelescope.com/press-releases/friday-nights-deep-penumbral-lunar-eclipse/)magazine. Anyone who wants to stay up extra late can catch the third event on Friday, which consists of Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková — also known as the New Year comet — streaking by the Earth. It will be visible just before dawn on Saturday, according to Weather.com, but you’ll likely want binoculars to get a good look. The comet, which was discovered in 1948, will be the closest it’s been to Earth since 2011\. But never fear, if you miss out this time or just want more space sights, there will be another comet known as C/2015 ER61 visible in April through mid-May, according to Sky & Telescope. 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