Eclipse of the Decade Monitoring the Changes

Eclipses of the Moon offer one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy skywatching. The pace doesn't rush you, since eclipses usually last more than an hour, and their changes are subtle and slow. This blockbuster began on the night of July 5, lasting until the next morning. You didn't need a telescope; the whole show was best seen with the naked eye.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the shadow of our planet to obscure the Moon. These eclipses happen only at Full Moon, but not every month.

Some lunar eclipses are not total ll:22p.m. m f * J ; because the Moon passes only through the lighter part of the Earth's shadow, or penumbra. But this eclipse was total and spectacular since the Moon passed through the darkest part of the shadow, the umbra.

North American observers waited seven years for this look at the eclipsed Moon. They were not disappointed. It was one of the most impressive of the decade. You couldn't have asked for a better time of year, and with clear skies, nearly everyone had a chance to view at least some part of lunar totality.

Eclipse Times*

First penumbral

12:33 a.m. 7' n ffi t t *l"* t a ?o a a -1 L

First umbral

Totality began Mid-Eclipse

*Central Daylight Time