During lunar eclipses, the Moon turns red. Image: Shutterstock
Lunar eclipses are safe to watch, and you’ll have the chance to see one on December 10-11, 2011.This is the last total lunar eclipse until 2014, and it is expected to last 51 minutes. “Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses last for much longer and can be viewed safely from anywhere on the night side of Earth, without need for protective or special equipment,” said Dr. Tanya Hill, Astronomer at the Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks. During a lunar eclipse, filtered sunlight makes de Moon appear red–depending on the presence of dust and clouds, it can appear brown, orange or yellow.
Our Sky Watch columnist, Jonathan Nally, prepared this guide specially for you. If you want more information, visit spaceinfo.com.au
| Total eclipse of the Moon
Begins Saturday, Dec 10 ““ ends Sunday, Dec 11 |
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| City | Start, main part of the eclipse | Mid-eclipse | End, main part of the eclipse |
| Darwin | 10:16pm Sat | 00:02am Sun | 01:48am Sun |
| Brisbane | 10:46pm Sat | 00:32am Sun | 02:18am Sun |
| Sydney | 11:46pm Sat | 01:32am Sun | 03:18am Sun |
| Canberra | 11:46pm Sat | 01:32am Sun | 03:18am Sun |
| Melbourne | 11:46pm Sat | 01:32am Sun | 03:18am Sun |
| Hobart | 11:46pm Sat | 01:32am Sun | 03:18am Sun |
| Adelaide | 11:16pm Sat | 01:02am Sun | 02:48am Sun |
| Perth | 8:46pm Sat | 10:32pm Sat | 00:18am Sun |
