Rare Total Lunar Eclipse on Winter Solstice - Dec 21 @12:29AM EST

In summary, there will be a rare Lunar Eclipse on the Winter Solstice, starting at 12:29AM EST on December 21. The eclipse will enter the Earth's Umbra at 1:33AM EST and become total at 2:41AM EST, lasting for approximately 72 minutes. The best time to view will be at 3:15AM EST when the Moon is at its peak and displaying a brilliant coppery red color. According to NASA, the eclipse will reach its peak and the Moon will be fully illuminated at this time. The penumbral part of the eclipse will end at 5:01AM EST, returning the Moon to its full state. Despite living in a city with bright street lights
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There is going to be a Lunar Eclipse on the Winter Solstice. It will start Dec 21 @12:29AM EST. Entering the Earth's Umbra(the shadow of the Earth) @1:33AM. The eclipse will become total @2:41AM EST lasting approximately 72 minutes. The best time to view is 3:15AM EST when the Moon will be at its peak. NASA reports the eclipse will then be at its peak and the moon will display the most brilliant shade of coppery red.
The penumbral part of the eclipse will end @5:01AM EST in which the Moon will become full again.

http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/43212/rare-total-lunar-eclipse-for-t.asp
 
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  • #2
It was awesome! Just gazing at the colouring and 3 dimensional emphasis really puts the celestial mechanics into perspective. It's about 3:06 now and staying up was worth it!
 
  • #3
lunar eclipse on winter solstice happens once in 500 years, nice to catch one in our lifetime. Too bad i live in a city and the street lights illuminate up my flat almost as bright as day :(
 

1. What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Moon. This results in the Moon appearing to be darkened or reddish in color.

2. How often do lunar eclipses occur?

Lunar eclipses occur about twice a year on average. However, not all lunar eclipses are visible from every location on Earth.

3. What causes the different types of lunar eclipses?

There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. The type of eclipse depends on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's shadow, a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, and a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's lighter outer shadow.

4. Is it safe to look at a lunar eclipse?

Yes, it is safe to look at a lunar eclipse without any special equipment. Unlike a solar eclipse, the Moon does not emit any harmful rays during a lunar eclipse.

5. Why do some lunar eclipses appear red in color?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon may appear to have a reddish hue. This is because the Earth's atmosphere filters out most of the blue light, leaving only the longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon and give it a reddish appearance.

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