THUNDER BAY – “The last lunar eclipse of 2010 is especially well placed for observers throughout North America. The eclipse occurs at the Moon’s descending node in eastern Taurus, four days before perigee,” according to the latest information from NASA.
“The Moon’s orbital trajectory takes it through the northern half of Earth’s umbral shadow. Although the eclipse is not central, the total phase still lasts 72 minutes”.
The last lunar eclipse of the year will also happen on the winter solstice on December 21st.
To view the eclipse you will want clear weather of course for the event which begins on Tuesday morning at 01:33 EST “At that time, Earth’s shadow will appear as a dark-red bite at the edge of the lunar disk.”
The “totality” of the eclipse, when the Moon is fully engulfed in Earth’s shadow, occurs at 02:41AM EST. The event will last for just over an hour.
For more information: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html