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Rare winter solstice lunar eclipse visible tonight

Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:58pm EST

CHICAGO - U.S. skywatchers who stay up late enough and have clear skies can see a total lunar eclipse, a rare event for the winter solstice.

The eclipse, caused by the moon going into the Earth's shadow, will begin at about 12:32 a.m. Tuesday in the Midwest, 1:32 a.m. on the East Coast, and 10:32 p.m. Monday on the West Coast.

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is hosting a free viewing event with educators, astronomers and volunteers helping guests with telescope viewing, weather permitting.

Adler astronomer Larry Ciupik said the moon is high in the sky for the winter solstice, which aids viewing, provided it's not too cloudy. Unfortunately for some Midwest viewers, clouds and snow are expected tonight.

The last winter solstice total lunar eclipse visible from the Midwest was in 1638 -- the next one won't be until 2094, Ciupik said.

The next total lunar eclipse visible in the Midwest will occur on April 15, 2014.

Ciupik said the moon will appear reddish during the eclipse, due to the way the light from the sun bends around the Earth.

(Writing by Mary Wisniewski, Editing by Greg McCune)
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Comments (3)
Sandrita23 wrote:
I’ve found a ton of great viewing information on this site. http://www.spacedex.com/lunar-eclipse – Hope you all enjoy tonight’s show!

Dec 20, 2010 5:58pm EST  --  Report as abuse
amos033 wrote:
Rare indeed! It was reported to have happened on December 21, 1
The same year Jesus was born. Rare? I’ll say for both the Winter Solstace and Total Lunar Eclipse to fall on the same day has only
happened twice before in the last 2000 years. This is a very great sign folks.

Dec 21, 2010 3:18am EST  --  Report as abuse
finneganG wrote:
It was wonderful to wake up at 12:30 PST after a night rainfall and remember to go outside and look up. I dressed and staggered out to the backyard to see the moon eclipsed between passing clouds. I watched it with binoculars for 15 minutes.

I like the fact that I am now forever linked to the viewers of 372 years ago who did the same thing.

Dec 21, 2010 10:43am EST  --  Report as abuse
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