Lunar Eclipse: Eclipsed by Weather in Kansas

Beginning at approximately 9:01 Central Standard Time, a total lunar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. It will last approximately three hours. Those on the West Coast will miss the early stages as the eclipse will begin before moonrise; East Coasters will have to stay up late to see the entire event. It's worth the late night, though. This will be the last lunar eclipse until December, 2010.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon. When the surface of the moon is completely covered by the Earth's shadow, totality is reached. During Wednesday's eclipse, the moon will remain in totality for nearly an hour.

The moon will change color during the eclipse, transitioning from gray to red. The Earth's atmosphere bends the sun's red light around the Earth and that light is then reflected on the lunar surface. The depth of the color depends on the number of particles in the Earth's atmosphere: more particles equals a deeper red color.
There are some who view a lunar eclipse with fear: a bad omen, an evil portent. Others view this moon phase as an occasion for worship and rituals of renewal. Whether you view it spiritually or scientifically, however, you probably agree it is a celestial event worthy of attention and not a small degree of awe.

Residents of North and South America, Europe, and Africa will be able to see the entire eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse, no special equipment is needed to view the moon's disappearing act. A plain pair of binoculars or a basic telescope will enhance your view of the craters of the moon as it changes color, but it will be just as spectacular when viewed with the naked eye. An open field, away from lights and buildings will give the optimal view of the night sky as the eclipse occurs.

If you're a Kansan, you are used to weather changing and affecting your plans. Viewing the lunar eclipse is no exception. Kansas City and the far west part of Kansas are likely to be able to see the full three hours. Central Kansas residents will not be so lucky. Topeka, Manhattan, and Salina can expect cloudy skies and snow beginning late Wednesday evening and continuing into the night. You may want to consider a trip to the Crane Observatory in Topeka or the Lake Afton Public Observatory in Wichita.

More information:

www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/features/eclipse_preview_080219.html