Maricopa’s “dark skies” showcase the moon–and its eclipse

Although the moon was beautiful by evening, Maricopans, either early risers or those who just couldn’t get to sleep in the early hours Tuesday, had the opportunity to witness the earth’s shadow slowly cross the lunar surface until a full eclipse about 3:52 a.m.

This was the second total lunar eclipse this year, and this one was especially visible in the West. The first lunar eclipse occurred in March.

An eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun’s light. Light still reaches the moon around the edges of the Earth, so it doesn’t become completely dark but has a red or orange glow. This phase of the eclipse lasts about an hour and a half.

For those who missed Tuesday morning’s lunar event, the next total eclipse of the moon will be Feb. 21, 2008.

Photo by Amy Jamieson