Tonight marks a total lunar eclipse and it looks like it will be prime-time viewing for most people. Most of Europe, North America and South America will get quite a show that will be visible during the early evening hours. This total lunar eclipse is brought on by the moon crossing through the Earth’s shadow tonight and it won’t happen again until 2010. So, even if it’s cold, step outside and watch the action. The moon will begin entering Earth’s shadow around 8:43pm EST. For those of us in Northern Arizona, that’s 6:43pm. But, at the beginning it will be hard to notice anything happening. The actual eclipse event that you’ll be able to see doesn’t start until 10pm EST or 8pm in Arizona. The moon is expected glow orange or deep red for almost an entire hour.
While the eclipse will be clearly visible with the naked eye or even a pair of regular binoculars, a telescope can bring the moon’s features into view. Many people say it’s amazing to watch the moon’s craters and mountains as the shadows rise and fall across the moon’s face. If you watch tonight’s event and find yourself or your family wanting to see more of space, you can head over to Astromart’s website. There you can find the latest news about what’s happening in the world of astronomy and you can scan classified ads for used telescopes and used binoculars for sale. I’ve been wanting to get a telescope lately but just haven’t been able to bring myself to plunking down the money for one. Now, I might be able to find a used telescope at a reasonable price and help someone else upgrade! Check it out.
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Too bad there are clouds and freaking snow tonight… I wanted to see!!