For the more hearty and determined stargazers among us, Monday evening December 20th provides us with a full moon only to go into a total lunar eclipse beginning at 1:32 AM on the 21st with the totality between 2:40 to 3:54 AM (eastern) as the over one-hour evening highlight, so to speak.
Neither telescopes nor binoculars are required to follow the total lunar eclipse from start to finish, as it will be happening in plain view. You are not required to have knowledge of historic astronomers, with names like Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, Nicolaus Copernicus, Maria Mitchell, or Edwin Hubble, to enjoy the rare treat of a total lunar eclipse.
Observers should have no need to scream and shout to drive away demons who cast a shadow on the lunar disk like ancient Romans, as it would be extremely difficult to explain the lunacy to your neighbors and the local police at 3 AM without holiday spirits.
If you have questions about the lunar eclipse, ask a NASA astronomer HERE in live chat.
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