A total lunar eclipse will happen during the shortest day of the year. Isn’t that exciting?
A total lunar eclipse will be visible throughout North and Central America in United States from from 11:41 p.m. PST Monday until 12:53 a.m. PST Tuesday, December 21st. The said celestial event is first in almost three years.
Total lunar eclipse means the shadow of the earth (or also called Umbra) will fully cover the surface of the moon, making it partially, to almost invisible. During the “peak” of the eclipse, the earth’s umbra shadow will give the moon a red-brown like effect (moon looks like a cheese).
(Extra: Total Lunar Eclipse 2010 party in Midwest USA uncertain)
Another interesting thing about the upcoming natural event is the day it falls. Monday’s total lunar eclipse will take place on the same date as the winter solstice (the summer solstice if you live to the south).
A total lunar eclipse will happen on Monday, December 20th in some parts of Northern and Central America. Total lunar eclipse means the earth's shadow will totally cover the moon's suface, making it almost invisible, and will give a red-like effect.(Photo via: Nasa.gov)
Winter solstice is Northern Hemisphere’s shortest day of the year, and the first day of the winter season. The sun will be visible in the lowest part of our sky because the North Pole of the earth will be pointing away from it.
Meanwhile, NASA uses Twitter to announce some of the activities scheduled in related to the total lunar eclipse. The government institution tweets:
“Did you know there is a lunar eclipse on Monday night? NASA has online activities and chats you can join us for,” and links to an article about the eclipse and information about events like live chat and photo sharing via Flickr. You can see more about the event here.
I think the photo sharing is the most exciting because it will give the other parts of the globe a clear view of the 2010 total lunar eclipse. To give you a quick look, here’s the video of the 2008 total lunar eclipse compiled by Pete Herron.
