Lunar Eclipse

A couple of weeks ago the Moon put on a spectacular show in the form of a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon is full, that is when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. During most full Moons, the moon is either above or below the Earth’s shadow. But a couple of times a year, the moon passes directly through the Earth’s shadow. Two weeks ago, we were treated to total lunar eclipse at 10:25 PM EST in the east coast of the United States. It had been raining earlier in the afternoon and evening, and there was a chance that it would still be too cloudy to see the Moon. However, the clouds began to break just in time, so we could see the Moon as at began to pass through the Earth’s shadow at about 8:45 PM. I was a little tired that night, but knowing that the next total lunar eclipse visible on the east coast of the U.S. will not happen until 2010, I made a point of staying up. It was worth it.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is still visible, but it turns a reddish color. It was not the most spectacular lunar eclipse that we saw, but it was very cool just the same. Gazing at this total lunar eclipse, I was reminded about the wonder and beauty of nature. I am glad that I stayed up to see this lunar eclipse. Something truly extraordinary that reminded me, yet again, about how special the Moon is.