Cloud cover over the Mother Lode tonight may mask a celestial treat in store for anyone bothering to look up tonight — a total eclipse of the moon. It´s the last one of the year.
Astronomers say sky-gazers will begin to notice the Earth´s shadow being cast across the moon as the planet passes between its natural satellite and the sun. The shadow will gradually move across the lunar surface, looking like
bites being taken out of a cookie. Besides watching the moon disappear and reappear, viewers can also see it turn different colors, ranging from orange to pink. Scientists say the tints are caused by sunlight filtering through the clouds and dust in our atmosphere.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 4:54 pm