The longest total lunar eclipse in a decade
Below is a “Total Lunar Eclipse” sequence from last month when I went with Tai on a mission to capture the event. Getting up at 2:30am and standing on a mountain range during winter is not every ones cup of tea but it had to be one of the most amazing lunar experiences i have ever witnessed. It stayed in full eclipse mode for well over 45 minutes before dipping behind the trees and over the horizon.
Total Lunar Eclipse June 15, 2011
The longest total lunar eclipse in a decade will occur today, June 15th. During the eclipse, the Earth’s shadow will completely cover the Moon for one hour and 40 minutes and partially cover it for three hours and 40 minutes. The path that the Moon is taking through Earth’s shadow is almost directly through the shadow’s center, making for the longest possible path and therefor the longest duration. On June 15, Earth’s shadow will start to darken the moon at 18:23 universal time (UT) (2:22 p.m. Eastern Time).
Partial eclipse begins: 18:23 UT
Total eclipse begins: 19:23 UT
Greatest eclipse: 20:13 UT
Total eclipse ends: 21:03 UT
Partial eclipse ends: 22:02 UT
During this time, stargazers have a rare opportunity to catch the eerie orange-red glow radiating from the moon and darkening much of the Eastern Hemisphere. During a total lunar eclipse, Earth blocks the direct light from the sun. But, some indirect light passing through Earth’s atmosphere still manages to reach the moon and, due to Earth’s atmosphere, the remaining light is reddened.
It will be completely visible over Africa, and Central Asia, visible rising over South America, western Africa, and Europe, and setting over eastern Asia. In western Asia, Australia and the Philippines, the lunar eclipse will be visible just before sunrise.
