Blue moon is the name given to a phenomenon when two full moons occur in a calendar month. The first full moon of the month occurred on December 2, while the second one will take place tonight.

The lunar eclipse is partial and will begin at 2245 IST on Thursday and continue till 0259 IST on Friday. Astronomers hope this will give them enough time to study the phenomenon. This is also the first time since 1741 that the world will be witnessing a lunar eclipse on New Year's Day.

According to astronomers, a lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow when the Sun, Moon and the Earth are aligned in a linear fashion. A partial eclipse occurs when a part of the Moon passes through the darkest part of the shadow cast by the Earth.

The lunar eclipse will be visible to people all over Asia and Europe. Major parts of Africa will also be able to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. It will also be visible in southwestern Australia.

So feast your eyes on the blue moon this New Year's Eve as this will only be seen again in 2028 and 2066.