Winter solstice marked by eclipse

[Twisteruk]

There will be a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday morning, when the Earth casts a shadow onto the Moon.
December 21, the full Moon will start to pass through the cone of Earth's shadow at 6.32am.

The partial eclipse begins when the Moon first enters the dark inner, umbral part of the Earth's shadow, and will become a total eclipse at 7.40am.

It will reach its maximum at 8.17am, and end at 8.53am.

From southern parts of the UK, the initial partial phase and the beginning of totality will be visible, but the Moon will be dropping down into the western sky as dawn approaches.

From those locations, when totality begins, the Moon will be very low in the west-north-western sky, close to the horizon and in a rapidly brightening sky.

From locations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, totality will be visible in its entirety, but the Moon will be low down after the time of greatest eclipse.

John Mason, from the British Astronomical Association, said: "Observers should go out at about 6.30am when, if the sky is clear, the Moon will be visible in the western sky, and they will be able to watch as more and more of the southern part of the Moon becomes immersed in the Earth's shadow.

"They can continue watching until the eclipse becomes total at 7.40am, and hopefully for a little while after this time, if they have an unobstructed western horizon."

Dr Mason added: "For observers in the British Isles, the very low elevation of the Moon during the total phase means that it is not possible to predict just how dark the Moon will be when it is eclipsed, or what colour it will appear. One will just have to go out and have a look."

[A3on]

Hello Paul

Thanks for the information, it's very appreciated

I hope I can see it here in Portugal...
In North and South America it can be easly saw, but unfortunatly in Europe we will just see a partial eclipse or we can't see nothing at all 

Afonso

[Fripper]

Thanks for the info Twister

Very appreciated, I love these things! 

[Twisteruk]

Hello Paul

Thanks for the information, it's very appreciated

I hope I can see it here in Portugal...
In North and South America it can be easly saw, but unfortunatly in Europe we will just see a partial eclipse or we can't see nothing at all 

Afonso

Your welcome guys 



Im watching it Live now ! Its about 1/3 complete !!



They just said its the 1st time in 342 years that it has happen in time with the Winter Solstice !!

It becomes complete at 7.41am GMT 

[Dyksexlic!]

Yeh, I noticed that eclipse too..

We held a 'special' celebration.

That ol' black magic has me in its spell..

Hehehe

[chrisbis]

I thought was all because the lady loved........................................MILK TRAY.