By THERESA HOGUE
Gazette-Times reporter | Posted: Monday, August 27, 2007 12:00 am
Those willing to wake up in the wee hours of Tuesday morning will get a chance to view a colorful celestial display.
A total lunar eclipse will occur from 2:52 a.m. until 4:22 a.m. Tuesday, according to NASA. A partial eclipse will be visible starting at around 1:51 a.m. and again until 5:24 a.m.
The eclipse is caused by the Earth's shadow blocking the sun's rays from reflecting off the full moon.
During the total eclipse, the moon can take on a particularly magical appearance, turning orange, dark red or sometimes brown. During the time that the moon is darkened, it should be easier to see other stars that would normally be hidden because of the moon's glow.
"What happens is that the Earth's air is bending the light," local astronomer Steve McGettigan said.
As the light bends, the red and orange part of the spectrum reflects off the moon, causing it to appear blood red, he said.
"If it wasn't for the atmosphere, we'd see the moon blank out."
Although the hour is early, McGettigan heartily recommends getting up for a peek at the moon, as West Coasters have a particularly good view this year.
"If the weather is clear we're pretty well situated to see it," McGettigan said.
According to the National Weather Service, the weather is supposed to be mostly clear that night. And the view should be worth the effort.
"I would (get up early)," McGettigan said. "It really is a treat to see the moon turn a deep red color. It's something they'll always remember."
Lunar eclipses have long been the stuff of legend. Many ancient cultures believed that the moon was temporarily swallowed by some great creature such as a dragon or demon as it disappeared in the sky.
The moon almost takes on the appearance of Mars when it turns colors, and during the partial phase of the eclipse, parts may still appear white, giving it an ice cap effect.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from the West Coast will be on Feb. 21, 2008.