Friday Feature: Lunar Eclipse and Geminid Meteor Shower
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Viewing data for the December 2011 Lunar eclipse. Click for larger image. Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
This weekend marks two great stargazing opportunities. First, on Dec 10th, observers (except those in the Atlantic ocean, South America, West Africa, and Antarctica) will be able to catch a total Lunar eclipse. Secondly, the Geminid meteor showers are happening, so you may get some good meteor sightings, despite the full moon, and the Geminids not peaking until mid-month.
According to NASA, the eclipse will last from 11:33 UT (6:33 a.m. EST, 3:33 a.m. PST) until 17:30 UT (12:30 p.m. EST, 9:30 a.m. PST).
The period of time the Moon will spend at totality, (when Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon) is expected to be about 50 minutes. While the entire U.S will be able to see at least some part of tomorrow’s Lunar Eclipse, viewers on the West coast will have a more complete view.
For those on the West coast, the eclipse will start at 3:33AM PST, providing a view of totality around moonset and sunrise. West coast viewers will notice the deep red color of the Moon around 6:30 AM PST.
While the Geminids won’t peak until mid-month, you may spot a number of meteors after midnight on the 10th. Sadly, with the full moon and Gemini near each other throughout the night, this years view won’t be as spectacular as past showers. Those observers with telescopes may want to point them at the bright pinkish dot in the East if hunting for meteors isn’t panning out, since Mars is making its return to the night skies.
To view an image showing where to spot the Geminids, click the “Continue Reading” link below. Happy meteor hunting and clear skies!
View of the Eastern skies around midnight. Gemini is top center, with Orion to the right and Mars at the lower left. Image created with Stellarium
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:07:01
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2011/12/09/friday-feature-lunar-eclipse-and-geminid-meteor-shower/
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