MANILA - An "extra special" lunar activity will mark the end of 2018's first month as a "super blue blood moon" - a scarlet-tinted super moon - will shine over horizons and skylines around the world.

A "supermoon" is a full moon that appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the usual full moon. It appears when the moon orbits closest to Earth during its full phase.

A blue moon is the second full moon in a month, while a blood moon is seen when a full moon temporarily turns red during a total lunar eclipse due to the "refraction of sunlight."

In the Philippines, the "super blue blood moon" can be seen for about 2 hours, between 8:51 p.m. and 10:07 p.m. on January 31, said Dario Dela Cruz, chief astronomer of state weather bureau PAGASA.

"The greatest part of the eclipse will be seen at about 9:29 p.m. Ito 'yung pinaka-center ng eclipse, 'yung pinaka-mapula," Dela Cruz told ABS-CBN News.

The astronomer said the rare lunar phenomenon may be seen anywhere in the Philippines provided that there will be good weather conditions and clear skies on the evening of January 31st.

"Mas maganda if tingnan if you can look for a spot with clear skies sa eastern side, 'yung walang clouds o kaya walang buildings," he said.

The last time this (super blue blood moon) was observed in the Philippines was in December 30, 1982. The last time this was seen in the US was in 1866, PAGASA said.

• NASA: 'Super blue blood moon' to shine in January 2018