Total lunar eclipse on the winter solstice

Courtesy of Nasa & Mr. Eclipse/Fred Espenak

In various parts of the world, including most of the U.S., there will be a rare treat tonight – or tomorrow depending on where you live. This year’s winter solstice just happens to coincide with a total lunar eclipse. An event that hasn’t happened since 1638 – that’s more than 370 years!

What will you see? The moon will change from gray to a yellowish-orange and then red. This year’s moon may even take on a darker shade of red – thanks in part to recent volcanic activity. Unlike solar eclipses, it’s perfectly safe to watch this spectacle without protective eyewear. Just remember to bundle up!

Quick lesson:

• Winter solstice: Is considered the first day of winter. It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year and the sun is at it’s lowest point in the sky. December 21st marks the 2010 winter solstice.
• Lunar eclipse: Occur when the moon, sun and earth align perfectly with the earth in the middle, blocking the sun’s rays from hitting the moon.

Worth staying up for. The sky show will begin late Monday night on the west coast at 10:30 pm PT and early Tuesday morning for the east coast at 1:30 am ET. The total eclipse will last about 3 hours. If you want more information about where, when and what you’ll see during this rare event, visit Mr.Eclipse.

Of course, if it’s too cloudy or cold outside to get a good look, NASA is streaming the lunar eclipse live on their website.