DECEMBER 21, 2010

ECLIPSE OF THE MOON!

I thought this would be a special treat for everyone!  Here's a little tidbit of info:

First of all what is a lunar eclipse? 
A lunar eclipse is when our planet passes between the sun and the moon.

What is so AMAZING about this lunar eclipse?
Well it will be the first lunar eclipse since December 21, 1638 that will coincide with the winter solstice.

What is the winter solstice? 

It is the longest night of the year AND after which the days will get longer.  The winter solstice is supposed to also be the start of winter but you know how that goes.

When does this lunar eclipse start and how long will it last?

The beginning of the eclipse will start at 2:41am EST and last for 3.5 hours.  NASA says 3:17am is the preferred time to watch!

The other cool thing about a lunar eclipse vs a solar eclipse (the sun being blocked out) is that you don't have to wear protective eye wear.  You can stare at the moon as long as you want!

I got to personally experience the lunar eclipse!  I was very tired that night so I asked my boyfriend to call me around 2:45am (because he stays up late) and so I threw a blanket on (it was cold) and some shoes and walked outside with the dog and looked up.  I didn't really get to see the "red moon" , I did however see about half the moon covered  and attempted to take several pictures.  They all turned out looking like a tiny white dot. 

FYI>> According to EarthSky the next lunar eclipse will be on June 15, 2011 but North America will not be facing the wrong direction.  After that December 10, 2011 but might not be very visible.  However on April 14-15 2014 we will be having an amazing lunar eclipse!!!