Community Corner
Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice Meet
At 1:32 a.m. locals watched a total lunar eclipse arrive on the same night as the winter solstice.
For the first time since 1638, the total lunar eclipse and the winter solstice happened on the exact same night. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is situated precisely between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the first day of winter.
Because the moon will be giant in the sky, you need only a clear view and a reasonable pair of eyes to witness the eclipse in all its glory. You will identify it as the dark orange ball hanging over in the southwestern portion of the sky. There should only be one.
The eclipse lasted for 72 minutes.
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