Total lunar eclipse Dec. 10 to add drama to early morn

By Mike Shanahan
Bishop Museum

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 27, 2011

~~<p>A total lunar eclipse will take place early on Dec. 10. As seen from the islands, the moon will be in total eclipse for about 45 minutes, from 4:10 to 4:55 a.m. So, you either need to stay up late on Dec. 9 or set your alarm for very early Dec. 10.</p>
<p>The partial phase of the lunar eclipse will begin at about 2:45 a.m., as the moon starts to enter the deep inner shadow (umbra) of Earth. By 4:10 a.m. the eclipse will be total. The moon will be about 30 degrees above the western horizon, or about a third of the way between the horizon and the top of the sky. It should be dramatically darker and redder than usual. This total phase will last till 4:55 a.m., when the moon will start to leave the umbra, and you will see it start to lighten. By 6:20 a.m., just as the first glimmer of dawn appears, the partial phase will be over.</p>
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A total lunar eclipse will take place early on Dec. 10. As seen from the islands, the moon will be in total eclipse for about 45 minutes, from 4:10 to 4:55 a.m. So, you either need to stay up late on Dec. 9 or set your alarm for very early Dec. 10.

The partial phase of the lunar eclipse will begin at about 2:45 a.m., as the moon starts to enter the deep inner shadow (umbra) of Earth. By 4:10 a.m. the eclipse will be total. The moon will be about 30 degrees above the western horizon, or about a third of the way between the horizon and the top of the sky. It should be dramatically darker and redder than usual. This total phase will last till 4:55 a.m., when the moon will start to leave the umbra, and you will see it start to lighten. By 6:20 a.m., just as the first glimmer of dawn appears, the partial phase will be over. Login for more...