Supermoon solar eclipse: Two celestial events to coincide with Spring equinox
The eclipse will be the deepest since the total eclipse of 1999
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sky-gazers will be in for a celestial treat before the Spring Equinox, as the deepest solar eclipse since 1999 will coincide with a Supermoon - a phenomenon known as a Supermoon eclipse
On Friday 20 March, parts of the UK will be gradually plunged into darkness when the moon lines across the sun, obscuring by blocking 98 per cent of its light in the most northern parts of the Earth. In other areas, the sun will be obscured by around 30 per cent.
Although partial solar eclipses happened in 2006, 2008 and 2011, this will be the biggest since 1999.
The next one will be in 2018, but we will have to wait until 2026 for another deep solar eclipse, and until 2090 for one rivalling 1999.
And as the Earth and Moon will be as close together as they possibly can be, one of six Supermoons to occur in 2015 will coincide with the eclipse on 20 March.
The phenomenon occurs because of the oval shape of its orbit and its elliptical path around Earth.
When in perigee, the moon is around 50,000 km closer than when it is furthest away, or in apogee.
But as a new moon will occur on 20 March, the Supermoon will not appear in the sky as an enormous, glowing orb as it does when it is full.
Unlike solar eclipses and other celestial treats, Supermoons occur every 13 months and 18 days.
However, these events are not always noticed, as they can be masked by clouds and poor weather.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments