Lunar Eclipse Tonight 20th/21st December

Overview of the total lunar eclipse on December 21st

A marvelous astronomical event will soon be upon many of us living on Earth. Just after midnight, during the morning of December 21st, a total lunar eclipse, the last one of the year, will be visible throughout most of the world. This is the second of two lunar eclipses to occur this year, but the first total lunar eclipse since February 21, 2008.

Observers in western South America and North America will have an excellent chance to view the lunar eclipse from beginning to end since the moon will be nearly directly overheard in these locations. While some of the eclipse will be visible throughout most of the world, only those situated in western South America and North America will see the eclipse from start to finish.

Most of Africa and Europe will be experiencing moonset during the eclipse’s progression, but portions of the eclipse will be visible when the moon sets at dawn. Only Scandinavians living in the north will be able to catch the entire event in Europe.  For observers in western Asia and Australia, you will be able to see parts of the eclipse when the Moon rises at sunset.

None of the Eclipse will be visible from the Middle East, southern and eastern Africa, or southern Asia. For specifics on the status of this stunning and rare experience, locate your location below take a look at our in-depth section for more information about lunar eclipses.

How do I observe a lunar eclipse? Is it safe to gaze?

Unlike solar eclipses, all lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch without the use of special glasses or filters. All you need is your two eyes, and maybe a cup of your favorite drink to keep you warm.

A telescope or binoculars are not required to view a lunar eclipse, but these instruments may come in handy if you do use them.  A standard pair of 7x50 or 7x35 binoculars would help magnify your view, thus making the red coloration on the moon brighter and easier to see.

Click on the link and scroll down to your country for viewing times: 

http://www.spacedex.com/lunar-eclipse/

Nice one Vicky, I like things like that. The only thing that worries me is what if you've only got one eye? 

You know I'm watching.

Saw one in Turkey, an eclipse I mean some of the things I've seen in Turkey don't bear talking about, it was a full eclipse of the moon and with the half light at night over there it was even more dramatic-me being pissed as a fart certainly added to the effect. It was weird tho in between alehouses everything just went black!! Nothing unusual I hear you say but at the time it was a conundrum.

Anyone see this?  It was too cloudy here in Liverpool 

Massive snow cloud hiding it over here in Ireland. Did get a bit of  red part of the sky but dunno whether that was to do with the eclipse or not.

Saw a bit of it, Vicky. It was very cool.

Apparently, with this series of eclipses there is a paired solar eclipse which occurs two weeks later. We're not going to see it over here, but you all are supposed to be able to see it. It's some time in the beginning of January. I don't know the date.

Saw a bit of it, Vicky. It was very cool.

Apparently, with this series of eclipses there is a paired solar eclipse which occurs two weeks later. We're not going to see it over here, but you all are supposed to be able to see it. It's some time in the beginning of January. I don't know the date.

4th January.

Couldn't see this one, too cloudy. Hoping to see that solar eclipse though.

Sydney misses out both times. What a bi*ch

4th January.

Couldn't see this one, too cloudy. Hoping to see that solar eclipse though.

Just had a look on the NASA site and it looks like it will be approx from 8.25am till 9.30 am in the morn in the UK 

Hope its a nice clear morning 

Will defo be up, first day back at work after the Christmas Break 

Sydney misses out both times. What a bi*ch

Could have sworn I witnessed one tonight.

Was with my girl up at Newport beach brilliant place to be nice clear sky for it too!

Could have been mate. I heard after i posted that, that we get only get one hour viewing on our side of the country the second time it happens but miss out on the first one altogether.