The Earth’s shadow is cast over the surface of the Moon as a Lunar Eclipse proceeds though its partial phase in the sky over Tyler, Texas at 12:57 a.m. CST on Tuesday morning, Dec. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Dr. Scott M. Lieberman)NEW YORK – Skywatchers got an early holiday present this year: A total eclipse of the moon.
Hanging high in the sky, the moon slowly turned from bright silver into a red disk early Tuesday.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts its shadow on the full moon, blocking the sun’s rays that otherwise reflect off the moon’s surface. Some indirect sunlight still pierces through to give the moon its eerie hue.
The 3 1/2 hour celestial spectacle was visible from North and Central America where skies were clear. Portions of Europe and Asia only caught part of the show.
The totality phase – when the moon was completely immersed in Earth’s shadow – lasted 72 minutes.