Total Lunar Eclipse

At the 21st of December 2010, just a couple of days before Christmas the Earth´s shadow will occult the Moon. And to make it even better, this lunar is TOTAL. That means that the Moon will enter the really dark area of the Earth´s shadow, called the 'umbra' (see figure).

Timing The great gift starts at 05:28 Universal Time (UT), when the Moon enters the penumbral shadow. This phase of the total lunar eclipse isn't that spectacular because you hardly will notice the difference. Things are starting to get better when the Moon touches the umbral shadow at 06:32:17 UT. At that moment you will see a gradual darkening of the Moon on one side, as if the lunar phase has shifted to hyperdrive! Also be aware of the color change, the Moon will change to dark yellow-orange-brownish. The official total lunar eclipse will start at 07:40:21 UT, when the whole Moon is in the umbral shadow. Now the moment of greatest eclipse at 08:16:56 UT is next goal. Join the challenge to capture a photo of the Moon on that exact moment! Than submit that photo here. Check Animated Lunar Eclipse for simulations.

Location The lunar eclipse is visible over Britain, northwest Europe and Africa at Moonset (dawn); the Pacific and the Americas; and northeast Asia around Moonrise (Sunset).

Live Broadcasting Live broadcasting will be optimal using a small optical device, when the Moon is totally in view. When you are planning to broadcast this event, click 'broadcast this event'.