5 Things to Know About Lunar Eclipse

Five things to know about the Feb. 20 total lunar eclipse

1. What is a total lunar eclipse? A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth blocks the sun’s light from reaching the surface of the moon. This only occurs during a full moon, when the moon is directly opposite the sun, and only when the moon is completely within Earth’s shadow. This doesn’t happen every month because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tipped in relation to Earth’s orbit around the sun. Therefore, the moon is usually at least partially above or below Earth’s shadow. There won’t be another total lunar eclipse until December 2010, so don’t miss this one!

2. Why is the moon red during an eclipse?

The moon shine we see from Earth is a result of sunlight reflected off the moon’s surface. During an eclipse the only light that reaches the moon’s surface has been filtered and refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out blue light. This is why the moon takes on a range of colors during an eclipse from brown to red to orange or yellow. The amount of dust in the Earth’s atmosphere, determined by activity like volcanic eruptions on Earth, also affects the color of the moon during an eclipse. If Earth had no atmosphere, the moon would be black during an eclipse.

3. Solar vs. lunar eclipses

Unlike a solar eclipse, no special equipment is needed to view a lunar eclipse. You can see the event with your naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope provide a more detailed view of the moon’s surface. The lunar eclipse also makes for some dramatic opportunities for photography, since once again there is no special equipment required as there would be during a solar eclipse. So, embrace your inner photographer and pick up some film or charge the batteries in your digital camera to capture your amazing eclipse photos.

4. When is the eclipse?

On Feb. 20 the moon rises officially at 5:29 p.m., the partial eclipse (called the penumbra) begins at 5:43 p.m., totality (complete shadow) lasts from 7:01 to 7:51 p.m., and the final partial eclipse ends at 9:09 p.m. Since the eclipse begins shortly after the moon rises, the best place for viewing is anywhere with a clear view of the eastern horizon. Even a modest hill can block your view of the moon rise for a long time, so head for the flatlands.

5. Special viewing opportunity

The Whatcom Association of Celestial Observers will have a variety of telescopes set up for public viewing from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 20 at Pioneer Park in Ferndale. There will also be knowledgeable astronomy buffs available to answer your questions about the eclipse and point out interesting features on the moon and elsewhere in the night sky. The event is weather dependent and will be canceled if the sky is not clear.