Upcoming Event: Blood Red Eclipse over Australia This December 10
Avid Aussie stargazers should set their sights on the night sky this Saturday, December 10 as a red moon will rise.
Australians will get the chance to see the entirety of a total lunar eclipse on December 10. The eclipse will start around midnight with some time changes depending on where you are in the country. Perth residents will see the eclipse at around 7:30 p.m. while Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra residents will get to see it around 10.30 p.m. The eclipse will only last 51 minutes.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes completely into the Earth's inner shadow. During a total lunar eclipse the moon can take on different shades of color depending on the amount of dust and volcanic ash in the Earth's atmosphere.
The best way to view this weekend's total lunar eclipse is to see it with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, it's safe to see a lunar eclipse without the need for protective equipment.
This the second time this year that a total lunar eclipse will be observed. The first was on June 16 this year. Last year there were two partial eclipses on January 1 and June 26.
If you miss this weekend's lunar event you'll have to wait until 2014 to see another lunar eclipse in Australia.