Hudson Valley residents should consider taking a look into the night sky this Friday. Not only will a rare lunar eclipse be seen, but a comet will be passing by Earth as well.

Conditions are ideal for what's called a penumbral lunar eclipse due to the presence of a 'snow moon'. A designation given to the full moon in the month of February by Native American tribes to signify the fact that this is traditionally the snowiest month of the year. Tribes were known to name each month's full moon to correspond with monthly weather conditions.

USA Today reports the phenomenon will be visible from much of North/South America, Europe, Africa and Western Asia. The exact moment of the eclipse will be 7:43 p.m., so set a reminder so you don't forget.

While a penumbral eclipse is not as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, according to EarthSky.org, this type of eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the outer portion of the Earth's shadow and will darken the moon more so that usual.

You'll have to stay up a little later to view the comet, which despite being more than 7 million miles away, can be seen near the Hercules constellation at 3 a.m. You may want to break out that telescope you haven't used in a decade or so because this one will be difficult to see with the naked eye. If you spot a moving object with a blue/green head and tail, you're on the right track.

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