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Wednesday February 20, 2008

A Total Eclipse of the Moon

A total eclipse of the Moon is set to occur during the night of Wednesday, February 20/21, 2008 (tonight). It will be visible throughout most of North and South America. I believe it is the last total eclipse we will see for several years.

Lunar Eclipse

Here is what NASA says about the event:

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon’s disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and (rarely) very dark gray.

An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of Earth’s shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped parts, one nested inside the other. The outer shadow or penumbra is a zone where Earth blocks some (but not all) of the Sun’s rays. In contrast, the inner shadow or umbra is a region where Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

A partial eclipse will begin at 8:43 EST and will become total at 10:01. So make sure you take the kids outside to see it.

NASA has lots of good information.

Amazon

Comments (8) »

1. Reid Cardwell
February 20, 2008
5:59 PM

Thanks for the reminder. The kids and I got up in the wee hours of the morning to see the last one!

2. Carol Blair
February 20, 2008
6:46 PM

A good word to know:

“umbraphile” - someone who loves eclipses

3. Timothy
February 20, 2008
6:55 PM

Well, I was going to say something funny concerning the blood red moon and end times, but it ate my comment…

4. Jerry
February 20, 2008
7:53 PM

Looks like we will be completely overcast here tonight but I will check upon exiting Wednesday evening Bible Study.

5. Christin
February 20, 2008
9:34 PM

I’m staying up to take photos. (-: Why? Because my new camera allows me to. I can’t wait to see what color it’s going to be.

6. Marc
February 20, 2008
10:06 PM

I can see it. It looks pretty cool.

7. Alex Chediak
February 21, 2008
12:21 AM

I saw it - pretty sweet!

8. Jim
February 21, 2008
10:37 AM

Thanks for the tip, Tim! We were able to catch it here in beautiful weather. Check out my pictures from Cuernavaca, Mexico if you like. :)