Wednesday marks your only opportunity this year to witness a super blood moon

What’s round, red, and associated with cheese? The super blood moon appearing over much of the Western U.S., Australia, and New Zealand this Wednesday (though the cheese part is just a joke).

What exactly is a super blood moon?

On Wednesday, during a total lunar eclipse, the moon will glow a reddish-orange as Earth positions itself between it and the sun, casting a shadow. Just before it goes completely dark, the moon will display that distinctive ruddy color, giving rise to its name, blood moon.

Lunar eclipses are relatively rare, occurring just a few times each year, but this one, happening in the early hours of May 26, is particularly special. Since the moon will be full and at its nearest point to Earth all year, it will also be classified as a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

Where can I catch a glimpse of the super blood moon?

Unfortunately, not everyone will have the chance to see this celestial event. According to NASA, only those in specific regions of the Pacific Northwest, South Pacific, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica will be able to witness the entire phenomenon. Nevertheless, a significant portion will be visible in the Western United States, provided the weather is clear.

While many cruises to those areas, which would offer excellent viewing opportunities, remain on hold, Australia’s Qantas airline is hosting a special flight to nowhere on May 26 that has already sold out, providing passengers with a spectacular aerial view of the moon.

If you happen to have planned a road trip westward in time for totality, consider adding visits to national parks and other attractions along your route. If you're not part of the current RV trend, you can still earn points by booking hotels near these national parks.

Where can I book a stay to view the super blood moon?

Here are some national parks where you can witness the event, along with a selection of recommended hotels—most of which allow you to earn and redeem points. (Rates may vary. The prices listed reflect those at the time of publication for the night of the eclipse.)

Yosemite National Park

• Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway (Mariposa) — starting at $162 or 20,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn (Oakhurst) — starting at $198 or 32,000 Best Western Rewards points per night.
• Comfort Inn Yosemite Area (Oakhurst) — starting at $162 or 30,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

Zion National Park

• Hampton Inn and Suites Springdale/Zion National Park — starting at $381 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night
• Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton — starting at $667 or 234,000 Hilton Honors points per night
• La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale — starting at $370 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

• Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – A Doubletree by Hilton — starting at $269 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night

The Grand Canyon

• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn — starting at $260 per night or 40,000 Best Western Rewards points

When will the super blood moon be visible?

The phenomenon is set to commence at 2:45 a.m. PDT on May 26, 2021, lasting around three hours, with totality expected at 4:11 a.m. PDT. If you happen to miss it or find yourself in a location without a view, your next opportunity for a lunar eclipse will be the partial one on November 19 of this year. (The following full eclipse won’t be until May 16, 2022.)