Winter storm warnings in northern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Skywatchers got an early holiday present this
year: A total eclipse of the moon.


      Hanging high in the sky, the moon slowly turned from bright
silver into a red disk early Tuesday.


      A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts its shadow on
the full moon, blocking the sun's rays that otherwise reflect off
the moon's surface. Some indirect sunlight still pierces through to
give the moon its eerie hue.


      The 3 1/2 hour celestial spectacle was visible from North and
Central America where skies were clear. Portions of Europe and Asia
only caught part of the show.


      The totality phase - when the moon was completely immersed in
Earth's shadow - lasted 72 minutes.


      Since the year's only total lunar eclipse coincided with winter
solstice, the moon glowed high in the sky.


      The last time this occurred was more than three centuries ago on
Dec. 21, 1638. It will happen again on Dec. 21, 2094, according to
U.S. Naval Observatory spokesman Geoff Chester.


      Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, unlike
solar eclipses.


      The next total lunar eclipse will occur in June 2011 and will
not be visible from North America.

Gallery

Science

Lifestyle

Skywatchers got an early holiday present this
year: A total eclipse of the moon.


Moonwatchers treated to total lunar eclipse

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox