On December 21st the sky will have an exciting event. Following close on the heels of the Geminid meteors, a lunar eclipse will occur in the early morning hours this Tuesday. You may want to stay up late on Monday evening to catch this excitement in the sky.
Lunar Eclipse for 3 Hours
The total lunar eclipse should be spectacular. It will occur during the time of winter solstice. It will start at about 1 a.m. on December 21 and will last for over three hours, reports the NY Daily News. While the lunar eclipse is occurring the moon will turn a reddish hue.
NASA: Best viewing time 3:17 a.m. on December 21
NASA reports that the best viewing time for the lunar eclipse will occur at 3:17 a.m. So set your alarm to be awake a bit before then to give yourself time to fully awaken in time to enjoy the lunar eclipse. The moon should by then be a deep red color.
NASA will have a live feed of the lunar eclipse on the NASA website. The camera will be located in Huntsville, Alabama.
NASA Photography Contest of the Lunar Eclipse
NASA is hosting a photography contest and the best picture of the lunar eclipse will appear on NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory website. To learn more go HERE.