If it's a clear night, we could have one of the best views of Wednesday night's Total Lunar Eclipse - and since the next Total Eclipse won't happen until December 21st, 2010 - you might consider being lenient with the kids' bedtime. In fact, a backyard campout might be called for.
A lunar eclipse happens when the earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's rays. In a process that takes several hours, the Earth casts a shadow on the moon until it's completely covered. However, depending on how much dust is in the Earth's atmosphere, the moon can take on color, appearing red or orange, sometimes with a yellow or blue rim.
The free show begins at 8:43 p.m. Eastern Standard Time as a partial eclipse begins. The Total Eclipse should happen from around 10:01 p.m. to 10:51 p.m. ... then returning to a partial eclipse, and a fully visible moon again by 12:09 a.m.
NASA has all the scientific detail available, in case you want to know more. Or you can just drag a lounge chair outside and enjoy the experience.
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