Some New Zealanders will soon get the chance to see a total
lunar eclipse, an opportunity which has not arisen for nearly
three years.
In a lunar eclipse the moon is obscured as it passes through
the Earth's shadow.
The eclipse will begin before moonrise on December 21. In the
north the moon will rise in partial eclipse, further south in
total eclipse, but in the lower South Island only the
tail-end of the eclipse.
The eclipsed moon was likely to appear coloured, caused by a
scattering of sunlight as it passed through the Earth's
atmosphere, Stardome astronomer Dr Grant Christie said.
"You will need a clear eastern horizon to be able to see it.
Over water would be ideal, and the further north you are
located the better," he said.
The eclipse will be visible to the naked eye.
The last total lunar eclipse was on February 20, 2008.
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