Kim Fundingsland/MDN A total lunar eclipse on Sunday will result in a Blood Moon over Minot. If skies are clear viewing of the rare event should be excellent. This photograph of a Blood Moon was taken in Minot on Sept. 27, 2015.

If the skies are clear the view of a Blood Moon should be spectacular.

A total lunar eclipse will occur Sunday night as the Earth will be positioned directly between the sun and a full moon. The resulting effect will cause the usually bright full moon to take on a reddish glow, known as a Blood Moon.

The eclipse will begin at 9:33 p.m. Sunday as the Earth’s shadow slowly begins to edge across the moon. Total eclipse will be achieved at 10:41 p.m. The eclipse will reach its maximum at precisely at 11:12 p.m.

The moon over Minot will be well above the horizon Sunday night. If atmospheric conditions permit, good viewing of the Blood Moon will last for one hour and two minutes.

Blood Moons are the result of some of the Sun’s rays passing through the atmosphere, much like what occurs during sunrise and sunset. Red wavelengths are least affected by atmospheric filtering and are responsible for giving the moon its reddish color during the eclipse.