A total lunar eclipse will usher in the Christmas holiday in North America overnight Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.MORE:
Space.com says this is the first total lunar eclipse in nearly three years. Even more prominent is the lunar eclipse will occur on the same day as the winter solstice. The event is so rare NPR reports the last time a total lunar eclipse and the winter solstice coincided was Dec 21, 1638.
... The next time a lunar eclipse will happen on the winter solstice is in 2094 so if you want to see a rare event, tonight will be the night to do it. The lunar eclipse in 2010 will be spectacular to witness
IT'S AN OMEN.Getting the Ursid meteor shower, named Ursid because it emanates from the star Kochab in Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, is a special bonus. The Dec. 22 to 23 Ursid meteor shower is usually difficult to see because of the full moon around that time of month. The total lunar eclipse does double duty as is not only blots out the moonlight and makes the Ursids visible, an eclipse is pretty amazing to watch, too. A total lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye, also. Unlike a solar eclipse which must be viewed with a pinhole camera or with special glasses, moonlight is not strong enough to harm the eyes.
When is the best time to view the winter solstice, total lunar eclipse and Ursid meteor shower? According to Space.com, it depends upon where you live. West Coast viewers will want to start watching about 9:30 p.m. while viewers on the East Coast will see the total lunar eclipse best at 12:30 a.m. (just after midnight).
The eclipse will reach full strength at 12:17 p.m. out west and 3:17 a.m. in the east.
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