Manitobans were given a once-in-a-lifetime sight early Wednesday morning, and it impressed those who woke up to take it in.

While a lunar eclipse is more common, many other factors went into play to make this a special event.

Ken McAllister of Steinbach says there was a combination of a supermoon, a blue moon, and a blood-red moon.

He says a supermoon occurs three or four times a year when the full moon is closer to the earth than at other times.

He says it was also a blue moon which is the second full moon in one month, something that happens every 2.7 years.

The lunar eclipse added to the rarity. The last time this combination took place was the late 19th century.

Twelve-year-old Ximon woke up early to take in the site. "It was amazing. It was a darkish-red, but really vibrant . . . That was really cool."