Total lunar eclipse, December 21, 2010

The first total eclipse of the Moon in nearly 3 years occurs the night of December 20/21. Weather permitting, people across North America will be able to see totality.

By Michael E. Bakich

Published: December 14, 2010

Photo by The totally eclipsed Moon December 20/21 lies in Taurus the Bull, near its order with Orion and Gemini.

On the morning of December 21 (or the night of the 20th for those in the western United States), plan to get out your lawn chairs, binoculars, and low-power eyepieces. And, this year, you’d better add a blanket. The first total lunar eclipse in nearly 3 years is on its way.

This event will thrill viewers across North America and the Pacific. And it takes place just 15 hours before the winter solstice, which places the Moon exceptionally high in the winter sky, near the borders of the constellations Taurus, Gemini, and Orion.

Check out what our readers are saying!

Click here to view some of our reader comments now »

RICHARD M CARPENTER from CALIFORNIA said:

It is cloudy here in central California, will you be showing it on the Internet?
Richard.

MITCHELL DOWNS from SOUTH CAROLINA said:

Our neighborhood will be enjoying this one together... The last lunar eclipse on the winter solstice occurred in 1638, and the next one will not happen until 2094!!! I know my friends and I will enjoy this through my Celestron!

MARC FORD from ALABAMA said:

Can't wait!!! I have my binocs, blankets & hot choclate ready. The

kids will be out of school, hopefully I can keep them up to observe

with me.

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	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—

	Mercury	Mercury	Venus	Venus
RISE	—		—
SET	—		—
		—		—

	Mars	Mars	Jupiter	Jupiter	Saturn	Saturn
RISE	—		—		—
SET	—		—		—
		—		—		—