Total Lunar Eclipses, Winter Solstices and Meteor Showers, Oh My!

December 21, 2010 is going to be an interesting night for stargazers. Firstly, the winter solstice is bringing us the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, if you are not in the Northern Hemisphere, you are getting a short one. Secondly, there is going to be a total lunar eclipse. Lastly, we may just get a chance to see the Ursids meteor shower more clearly that night due to the lunar eclipse. If you want to have a pagan winter holiday celebration or just a night of looking to the sky, this is the night to do it.

A total lunar eclipse is not a particularly rare event. In fact, it happens rather often. However, this one is pretty cool because it will be a full moon and, well, the winter solstice is a fun reason to celebrate and watch the lunar eclipse. Unfortunately for some us, snow and clouds may ruin our view.

As for the Ursids meteor shower, December 21, 2010 is going to be the ideal night to watch it. It is typically difficult to see because it is not bright, but the lack of light from the moon may make it more visible. Stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere should probably sit this one out, though. The Ursids is difficult to see down there, if you can see it at all, which is rare. This meteor shower will be visible from December 17-25, but the lunar eclipse on December 21 is going to make it even better. For those of you who will be watching, you can look to the left of the Big Dipper. You should check your local listings for the best time to watch and the precise location in the sky.

If you have never seen a total lunar eclipse before, you should watch it this year. It is amazing to look up at the moon and realize that the fact the Earth is blocking the sun's light from reaching the moon in such a way that you can view it from Earth. It is fascinating to know the mechanics behind a disappearing moon, but just imagine what it would have been like for a caveman.

Sources

Ursids, retrieved 12/19/19, meteorshowersonline.com/showers/ursids.html

Shenbrood, David, Winter Solstice 2010 Coincides with Lunar Eclipse 2010, retrieved 12/19/10, citystatetimes.com/1935/winter-solstice-2010-coincides-with-lunar-eclipse-2010/