The Winter Solstice - Eclipsing the Moon
The Lunar Eclipse
The Eclipse of the Moon
A total lunar eclipse is seen as the full moon is shadowed by the Earth.
The photo here were taken by myself when this happened with the first day of the winter solstice in 2010 on Monday December 20th and lasted almost three and a half hours until early Tuesday morning on the 21st.
Guess what there are more Total Lunar Eclipses coming:
October 8th, 2014 there will be a total lunar eclipse and a partial Lunar Eclipse on October 23rd, 2014.
In 2015 there will be one on April 4th and Sept 28th, 2015. Both will be total eclipses.
In 2016, there will be two penumbra eclipses, (where the outside shadow of the earth covers the moon. Very subtle shadows, the part of the moon closer to us is darker. The dates for this is March 23rd and September 16th, 2016.
In 2017, there will be another penumbra on February 11th, and a partial eclipse of the moon on August 7th, 2017.
In 2018, we will see two total eclipses, one on January 31st, 2018 and one on July 27th, 2018.
Photographer Linda Hoxie.
What causes a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's rays and casting a shadow on the moon.
When I went outside last night just around midnight, this is what the moon looked like. A dark shadow creeping over it. I was surprised it was so already shadowing so quickly as I knew it was supposed to last for a few hours.
2nd Photo taken of Lunar Eclipse - Eclipse of the Moon by Photographer Linda Hoxie
Photographer Linda Hoxie
As soon as the shadow of the Earth passed over the moon, the moon turned a deep burnt orange color.
Nasa says:
"The moon takes on this new color because indirect sunlight is still able to pass through Earth's atmosphere and cast a glow on the moon. Our atmosphere filters out most of the blue colored light, leaving the red and orange hues that we see during a lunar eclipse. Extra particles in the atmosphere, from say a recent volcanic eruption, will cause the moon to appear a darker shade of red."
Funniest comment about the Lunar Eclipse:
"I miss the Moon"
My son Brandon during the eclipse!
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The Moon looked like an Orange Ball hung in the sky - when it eclipsed last night
Photographer Linda Hoxie
The Moon looked like an Orange Ball hung in the sky when it eclipsed last night. It was amazing how well you could see the details of the dark spots on the moon because you weren't looking at the light reflecting from the sun.
Is it safe to watch a Lunar Eclipse? - Yes it is!
Photographer Linda Hoxie
Unlike the eclipse of the Sun that can damage your eyes if you watched it, it is safe to watch the eclipse of the moon and quite interesting to do so.
What causes the ellipse of the moon?
Perfect Alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon cause an Eclipse - Lined up perfectly!
Photographer Linda Hoxie
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind Earth, into Earth's shadow. This type of eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with Earth in the middle. Hence, there is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse. The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the moon's location in its orbit relative to the Earth and sun.
Have you ever seen an Eclipse?
Have you ever seen an Eclipse?
What does the Winter Solstice have to do with the Lunar Eclipse? - Is there a Lunar Eclipse every Winter Solstice?
Photographer Linda Hoxie
Absolutely not, in (2010), They just happened to fall on the same day. It was a total coincidence and either event will occur separate from the other. Wasn't it fun to have them both on the same day though?
Why do I love the Winter Solstice so? Because it is the shortest day of the year and I know that from this point forward my sunshine will get longer and longer. I am definitely not crazy about the short days.
But on the other hand the nights do bring great viewing of the night skies and special events like meteor showers and lunar eclipses!
Funniest comment after the Eclipse:
"Did everyone see my magic trick last night?"
Co-worker, Mike
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Lunar Eclipse links and Nasa
- Nasa
NASA.gov brings you images, videos and interactive features from the unique perspective of America's space agency. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, subscribe to blogs, RSS feeds and podcasts, watch NASA TV live, or simply read about our missi - Flickr: The NASAJPL's I'm There: Lunar Eclipse Group Pool
Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you - NASA Eclipse Web Site
This is NASA's official eclipse Web site. It contains maps and tables for 7,000 years of eclipses and includes information on eclipse photography, observing tips and eye safety. :Code 693
A close up of the Moon during the Eclipse - Close up of the Lunar Eclipse
Photographer Linda Hoxie
The last stage of the Lunar Eclipse - Almost done
Photographer Linda Hoxie
Hello,
Thanks for stopping by, would love it if you would drop a note below.
Linda
Did you see the Eclipse? - or any eclipse?
Your photos are breathtaking, Linda!
Great lens!
- AUTHOR
@Ladym33: It really was! Did you notice there are two more total lunar eclipses coming up in 2011?
- AUTHOR
@annieangel1: Thank you!
- AUTHOR
@MargoPArrowsmith: LOL, he is my 26 year old nut!
- AUTHOR
@clouda9 lm: Thank you clouda, I thought we were going to have the clouds too. They were inside the clouds earlier, but cleared up nicely by the time of the eclipse.
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@therealstig86: Thank you alexanderj, just had to share.
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@sheriangell: ShirlW,
Sorry you didn't get to see it, but happy that you were able to enjoy the photos. :)
Your welcome!
Linda
- AUTHOR
@JenOfChicago LM: Thank you Jen!
It is so cool you got to see it.
nice one
Fortunately for your son, it wasn't gone long
Stunning photos Linda! We missed the eclipse here in SW Washington because of cloud cover. Usually we have a beautiful view of the night sky unobstructed by city lights, etc.
Hot out the blocks with this lens...great stuff, really interesting.
Unfortunately the weather prevented us from seeing it, but with your beautiful photos I kind of feel like I did. Thanks!
Beautiful photos!
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