View an eclipse of the Moon on October 8! |
Early Morning Lunar Eclipse Visible in the US
October 8, 2014: about 6:25 am EDT, 5:25 am CDT, 4:25 am MDT, 3:25 am PDT; October 7 at 11:25 pm in Hawaii
On October 8, the full Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, producing a total lunar eclipse visible for a portion of North America, and a partial lunar eclipse for all of North America. Lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to view, and an exciting family event.
This total lunar eclipse will be best seen from the Pacific Ocean and bordering regions (weather permitting, of course!), although even eastern regions of the U.S. will be able to observe the beginning stages. The total lunar eclipse begins at about 3:25 am Pacific daylight time when the Moon completely enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. The Moon will be completely within the shadow for 59 minutes. Observers in the eastern and central United States can enjoy the view of a partial lunar eclipse in the early morning hours before the Moon sets; they may want to go observe at least an hour or two before sunrise.
Information
- NASA Science News: A Tetrad of Lunar Eclipses
Information about lunar eclipses in 2014 and 2015.
- NASA Eclipse Website
Maps and dates for solar and lunar eclipses, including where they will be visible.
- CLSE Article on a Lunar Eclipse from an Astronaut’s Perspective
What would an astronaut on the lunar surface experience during a lunar eclipse? This article discusses changes on the lunar surface observable by an astronaut on the ground.
Multimedia
- NASA Goddard Multimedia: Lunar Eclipse Essentials
This site has SVS videos and animations of lunar eclipses, lunar phases, the light scattering during a lunar eclipse, and more.
- MyMoon: World Tales of the Moon
Stories about the Moon from around the world, recorded and available for you to hear online.
Activities
- Golf Ball Phases and Eclipses
Students explore the dynamics of lunar phases to develop an understanding of the relative positions of our Moon, Earth, and Sun that cause the phases of the Moon as viewed from Earth. Using a golf ball glowing under the ultraviolet light of a "blacklight" makes it easier to see the actual phase of the Moon; an embroidery hoop can help model orbits to demonstrate eclipses.
- Night Sky Network: Why Do Eclipses Happen?
Using simple materials, participants create 3D models of the Earth, Moon and Sun and demonstrate solar and lunar eclipses.
- Loony Lunar Phases
The children hear a story, song, or poem that celebrates the Moon's different phases. They recreate the shapes of the lunar phases using the frosting from Oreo® cookies, and then they place them in correct order to reveal the repeating pattern.
- Lunar Phases: A Dance Under the Sun
Children perform the lunar phases outdoors, using a Styrofoam ball, sunlight, and the motions of their bodies to model the Moon's phases. Older children predict future Moon phases.
Consider a visit to your local library for books about the Moon and lunar eclipses. Suggested titles are available at Explore! Marvel Moon.