In the Americas alone more than one billion people in 35 countries could bear witness to the total lunar eclipse.

"Lunar eclipses are easier to observe than solar eclipses, because the Earth's shadow is much larger than the full moon, so anyone who can see the full moon will be able to see the eclipse," says Rice. "This is different from a solar eclipse that is usually only visible along a very narrow path on the Earth."

Pictures of last night's "Blood Worm Moon," a total lunar eclipse, show the full moon looking red in the night sky.