November 1993 total lunar eclipse. Click on image for full size (13K JPG) Courtesy of Andy Steere

The last lunar eclipse of the millennium in North America (or the first of the new millennium, if you prefer)is this week! On January 20, 2000, which is Thursday for those living in North America, a total lunar eclipse will occur.

A lunar eclipse is different from a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow blocks the Sun from the Moon. There's another important difference. You need to protect your eyes while viewing a solar eclipse, but the only requirement to watch a lunar eclipse is getting off your couch and stepping outside.

The lunar eclipse will start near 10:00 pm ET, when Earth's shadow first touches the Moon. It ends at 1:25 ET and the Moon is completely covered from 11:05 to 12:22 am ET. During the complete cover, a reddish glow will surround the Moon. This is because the Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light. The red part of the spectrum makes it to the Moon and is reflected back, giving it a reddish tint.

So, why not take a break from television to witness a very unusual event. Lunar eclipses are especially neat because you don't need to be in the middle of nowhere to see it. Even if you live in the city, you can observe the eclipse from your porch or balcony!

November 1993 total lunar eclipse. Click on image for full size (13K JPG) Courtesy of Andy Steere

The last lunar eclipse of the millennium in North America is this week! On January 20, 2000, which is Thursday for those living in North America, a total lunar eclipse will occur.

A lunar eclipse is different from a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow blocks the Sun from the Moon. There's another important difference. You need to protect your eyes while viewing a solar eclipse, but you can watch a lunar eclipse with your naked eyes!

The lunar eclipse will start near 10:00 pm ET, when Earth's shadow first touches the Moon. It ends at 1:25 ET and the Moon is completely covered from 11:05 to 12:22 am ET. During the complete cover, a reddish glow will surround the Moon. This is because the Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light.

So, why not take a break from television to witness a very unusual event. If you live in the city, you can still see the eclipse from your own backyard or porch!

November 1993 total lunar eclipse. Click on image for full size (13K JPG) Courtesy of Andy Steere

There's a lunar eclipse this week! Thursday night, all of North America will see the eclipse. It starts at 10:00 pm Eastern Time.

A lunar eclipse is different than a solar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow blocks the Sun from the Moon. A solar eclipse is when the Moon blocks the Sun from the Earth.

The lunar eclipse will last about 3 hours. Don't worry about protecting your eyes. You can watch a lunar eclipse with just your eyes!