LUNAR ECLIPSE

Eclipses are rare, exciting events in the solar system.

On August 28 there will be a spectacular sight in the sky, with the Lunar Eclipse of the moon. 2007 is unique for having two lunar eclipse events visible in North America. The first lunar eclipse of 2007 was on March 3. Prior to that, the last lunar eclipse was on October 28, 2004.

Total eclipses are spectacular sights. It is worth your time to make time to be outside to witness this breathtaking natural phenomena as it occurs in the heavens.

The total lunar eclipse occurs during a full Moon, when the Moon is obscured from the sun by the earth. The lunar eclipses will be visible by the naked eye, but a telescope will afford a better view of this rare event..

As the moon passes behind the earth, it will change colors. Every lunar eclipse has a different appearance, because of different atmospheric conditions. During the eclipse, the moon may change in color from gray to orange and even bright red.

There are two main categories of eclipses: solar and lunar. In addition there are full and partial eclipses. The elipses have a path, so not all eclipses can be seen by everybody in the world.

Total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon travels into the umbra of the earth and is obscured from the sun.

Lunar eclipse's differ from solar eclipses in that they are safe to watch.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs only during a full moon. The moon passes through some portion of the earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses take place in the nighttime sky. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the light of the Sun from reaching the Moon. The Total Lunar Eclipse is interesting and beautiful because of the filtering and refracting effect the the Earth's atmosphere. Every Lunar Eclipse has a different appearance, depending on the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere.

Unlike Solar eclipses, lunar events are completely safe to watch. When observing solar eclipses, protective filters must be used to protect the eyes. Lunar eclipses do not require any protective gear. You don't need a telescope to see the lunar eclipse, but it will add to the enjoyment of the event. A telescope will allow you to get a better view of the moon and the craters on the moon.

Lunar eclipses are rare events, so it is a good idea to see them when you can.

The total lunar eclipse on August 28 will be visible from all of North America, but the best views will be in the west. Only observers west of the Rocky Mountain Range, including Alaska, will be treated to seeing the entire eclipse. All phases of the eclipse will also be visible from the islands of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand and eastern Australia. Various stages of the eclipse will be in progress at moonrise in eastern Asia. The eclipse will not be visible from Europe, Africa and western Asia.

On September 17 the partial solar eclipse will be visible from South America, Antarctica and the South Atlantic.

Following are the eclipses of the next few years, from the NASA website.

Total Lunar Eclipse: The moon travels completely into the Earth's umbra and is obscured from the.sun: August 28, 2007; February 21, 2008; July 22, 2009

Partial Lunar Eclipse: The moon travels partially into the earth's umbra and is obscured from the sun" December 31, 2009; December 21, 2010

Total Solar Eclipse: The umbra of the moon's shadow touches a region on the earth's surface. The surface of the sun is completely blocked by the moon. August 1, 2008; July 22, 2009, July 11, 2010

Annular Solar Eclipse: February 7, 2008; January 26, 2009; January 15, 2010

Partial Solar Eclipse: Penumbra of the moon's shadow passes over a region on the surface of the earth. The sun is partially blocked by the moon. September 11, 2007;

Resources:

sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov
Lunar Eclipse March 3, 2007, fergc, xtock_xchange
Lunar Eclipse March 3, 2007