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The only lunar eclipse of the year began on Monday evening.
December 21, 2010 ?? – During the only lunar eclipse of 2010, sky observers were treated to a rare spectacle during the night.
Barring cloudy days, astronomy enthusiasts and sky watchers across North America were dazzled by the first lunar eclipse to fall on the same day as the winter solstice in 372 years.
A lunar eclipse takes place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all perfectly aligned with Earth in the middle. When the moon passes behind the Earth, the sun’s rays cannot hit the moon. This can only happen when the moon is full.
If the sky was clear, experts said the moon would appear to have a reddish glow.
However, the rainy weather made it difficult for some on the west coast to see it late Monday evening.
The lunar eclipse will last about three and a half hours
As the moon moves deeper into Earth’s shadow, indirect sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, casting an orange and red tint onto the moon.
Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be seen for a few moments from a specific location, a lunar eclipse can be seen for several hours. It is also safe to see a lunar eclipse without special glasses or equipment.
2011 will have two lunar eclipses
According to NASA, the full phase is expected to last around three and a half hours when it started as a partial eclipse at 1:33 a.m. ET and will end at 5:01 a.m. ET. The totality phase – when the moon is entirely in Earth’s shadow – will last approximately 72 minutes.
This year’s only lunar eclipse actually coincides with the Winter Solstice, meaning the moon will appear high in the night sky, making it easier for revelers to see.
There will be two total lunar eclipses in 2011 – one in June and one in December. North America will miss the June spectacle and will only witness part of the eclipse next December.
Learn more about the December 21 lunar eclipse here on the NASA website.
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