How and Where to Watch the Lunar Eclipse.

Click here for information about the December 10th, 2011 Lunar Eclipse

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to watch without any special equipment. There is no danger of damaging your eyesight during a lunar eclipse.  Lunar eclipse only occur during the full moon, and at night, when the Earth passes directly between moon and sun.  The shadow of the Earth passes over the face of the moon causing the moon to gradually disappear, then re-appear over a period oh hours.

The winter solstice lunar eclipse in 2010 occurs in the early morning hours of Dec. 21st.  Since it is the longest night of the year in the heart of winter, you can count on it being quite chilly outside, even if you live in the southern tier of the United States.  Be sure to dress warm and prepare for cold conditions from wherever you view the lunar eclipse.

Best Times and Places to see the Lunar Eclipse
In California, head out before midnight, and periodically check the night sky. A storm system will be moving into the west coast and you may miss out on the eclipse.

Along the East coast, in places like New York, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, you may have some clouds to contend with during the eclipse.  However, there may be some lucky breaks.  The best time to view the lunar eclipse along the east coast will be past midnight up through the early morning hours of Tuesday morning.

The upper Midwest of the United States will have a winter storm brewing and you stand to see a lot of cloud cover. Residents of North and South Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois may  miss out on watching the lunar eclipse because of the clouds.

Residents across the Southeastern United States stand the best chance for seeing the lunar eclipse.  If you live in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, the you will be under the influence of a dome of high pressure.  In the Southeast, you should have a pretty good change at seeing the eclipse.