Lunar Eclipse on December 10, 2011*

It has been raining the whole week in many parts of the country but on Saturday evening the rain clouds suddenly just dispersed to pave way to a rare celestial phenomenon, a total lunar eclipse. The clear skies gave sky gazers a good view of the last total lunar eclipse for three years - the next one will be on April 15, 2014.

Last Saturday's lunar eclipse started at around 7:33 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time) and ended at 1:30 a.m. on the following day - reportedly longer than the last lunar eclipse witnessed in June 2011.

The spectacular colors the moon emitted as it went through the different phases of the eclipse amazed observers from around the globe.

"The moon took on a reddish glow, as some indirect sunlight continued to reach it after passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. Since the atmosphere scatters blue light, only red light strikes the moon, giving it an eerie crimson hue." Suntimes reported.

The eclipse also gave skywatchers an extra special treat when it appeared to be inflated and supersized - which was just a neat illusion since the moon is not actually any wider.

A total lunar eclipse takes places when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting the moon in shadow.

*Photo courtesy of  Silvia Kikuchi

Lunar eclipse 2011

A total lunar eclipse can be observed starting at around 7:33 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time) today, December 10, 2011, until 1:30 a.m. on the following day, according to the Philippine Astronomic, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said the lunar eclipse will also be visible from North America except the eastern part, the Hawaiian Island, Oceania, Australasia, Asia, eastern Africa, and eastern europe.

The Phases of the said eclipse will occur at the following time:

***Penumbral eclipse begins - 7:33 PM (PST)
***Partial eclipse begins - 8:45 PM (PST)
***Greatest eclipse - 10:31 PM (PST)
***Partial eclipse ends - 12:17 AM (PST)Dec. 11
***Penumbral eclipse ends - 1:30 AM (PST)Dec. 11

A total lunar eclipse takes places when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting the moon in shadow. The last such eclipse happened in June 2011.