Get Ready For February's Total Lunar Eclipse 02.19.08 > View lunar eclipse preview video Credit: NASA In the late night hours of Feb. 20, 2008, a total lunar eclipse will dazzle the night sky. And this lunar eclipse may be worth staying up for, because it will be the last one until December 2010.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow over the moon's surface. The February 20, 2008 eclipse will last for nearly 3 and a half hours. For a full 50 minutes of that time the moon will be in totality - the period when the lunar surface is completely covered by the Earth's shadow.
During an eclipse the moon changes color, going from a light gray color to an orange or deep red shade. This is totality. The moon takes on this new color because indirect sunlight is still able to pass through the Earth's atmosphere and cast a glow on the moon.
This map shows when the eclipse will be visible across the United States. Credit: NASA > Larger image The exact color that the moon appears depends on the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere. If there are extra particles in the atmosphere, from say a recent volcanic eruption, the moon will appear a darker shade of red.
Residents of the Americas, Europe and Africa will have the best view of this eclipse.
Here in the United States, the entire eclipse will be visible for the majority of the country. However, residents on the West Coast will miss out on watching the early stages of the eclipse, as it begins before moonrise.
This Wednesday night, hope for clear skies, try to stay awake and enjoy a spectacular lunar eclipse. Laura Motel NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
This is a song by Madonna whom I love since I was a little girl. I especially have a connection to this album from which the song is from. I hope you guys enjoy reading the lyrics.
Sky fits heaven so fly it That's what the prophet said to me Child fits mother so hold your baby tight That's what my future could see
Fate fits karma so use it That's what the wise man said to me Love fits virtue so hold on to the light That's what our future will be
Chorus:
Traveling down this road Watching the signs as I go I think I'll follow the sun Isn't everyone just Traveling down their own road Watching the signs as they go I think I'll follow my heart It's a very good place to start
Traveling down my own road Watching the signs as I go Traveling down my own road And I'm watching the signs as they go
Traveling, traveling Watching the signs as I go
Hand fits giving so do it That's what the Gospel said to me Life fits living so let your judgments go That's how our future should be
Traveling down my own road Watching the signs as they go Traveling down my own road And I'm watching the signs as I go