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

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SUMMARY

A rare total lunar eclipse will occur on December 21 at 12:29 AM EST, coinciding with the Winter Solstice. The eclipse will enter the Earth's umbra at 1:33 AM and reach totality at 2:41 AM, lasting approximately 72 minutes. The optimal viewing time is 3:15 AM EST when the Moon will exhibit a brilliant coppery red hue. The penumbral phase will conclude at 5:01 AM EST, restoring the Moon to its full brightness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lunar phases and eclipses
  • Knowledge of time zones and their impact on astronomical events
  • Familiarity with celestial mechanics
  • Basic astronomy observation techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the significance of lunar eclipses in astronomy
  • Learn about the effects of urban light pollution on astronomical observations
  • Explore the historical occurrences of lunar eclipses on the Winter Solstice
  • Investigate how to effectively photograph lunar eclipses
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Astronomy enthusiasts, stargazers, educators, and anyone interested in celestial events and their significance.

Philosophaie
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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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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!
 
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 :(
 

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