June 15 Total Lunar Eclipse Won't Be Visible from Middle Tennessee - Except Online

A total lunar eclipse takes place on Wednesday June 15, 2011. Unfortunately for us in Middle Tennessee, this event will only be visible from the eastern hemisphere and eastern South America. From North America, the Moon sets long before the eclipse begins. The next total lunar eclipse visible from our part of the world occurs on April 15, 2014.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth casts a shadow on the Full Moon. As time passes, the Moon will gradually move out of Earth's shadow and return to full brightness.

Several locations around the globe will be streaming live video of the lunar eclipse, so you can watch the event online.

The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 1:22:55 PM CDT with "first contact" as the curved shadow of the Earth takes its first bite out of the Full Moon's brilliant disk. An hour later, the Moon will be almost completely darkened by the Earth's shadow. Then, as totality begins, at 2:22:29 PM CDT, the Moon will appear to change color to a coppery orange or deep blood red. The color is caused by sunlight refracted by Earth's atmosphere onto the lunar surface. The color is affected by Earth's atmospheric conditions such as volcanic eruptions.

If you plan to attend Skies Over Nashville in the Sudekum Planetarium at 1:30 PM on the day of the eclipse, show up a little early as we plan to show live video of first contact on the dome shortly before the show begins and totality at the end of the program. First contact is at 1:22 PM, Wednesday June 15, 2011.

Skies Over Nashville is a live guided tour in the Planetarium of what is visible in the current night sky: constellations, planets, and other interesting events. This program is suitable for all ages. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions or make requests.