Rethinking Eclipses II

As I stood outside in the freezing cold winter night, staring up at the night sky, I came to a profound realization. Even though science clearly explains the cause of a lunar eclipse, it can never explain away the mystery and awe of experiencing one. Watching the moon slowly being overcome by the shadow of the Earth briefly reminded me of just how small we are. We go about our days, consumed with our worries and cares as if they were the center of the universe. I think it is good to be reminded that our little stories are a part of a much larger story. On a heart level, it gives us a different vantage point (if only for a moment) from which to view our existence.

View some fantastic photos of the lunar eclipse from around the world!










And still more...

Rethinking Eclipses

Both lunar and solar eclipses were viewed in ancient times with a mixture of fear and superstition. The shadow of the Earth passing over the moon often gave an ancient viewer the impression that the moon was being swallowed or eaten by a great serpent. The ancients could predict eclipses, but had no real understanding of why they occurred. It was truly a time of mystery and magic.

Read an interesting article regarding the February 21st reappearance of a lunar eclipse that allegedly saved the life of Christopher Columbus over five hundred years ago.

The video below explains the science behind a lunar eclipse.



When can you see Wednesday's lunar eclipse? Click your time zone below:

Eclipse Diagram for AST (Atlantic Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for CST (Central Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for MST (Mountain Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for PST (Pacific Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for AST (Alaska Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for HST (Hawaiian Standard Time)
Eclipse Diagram for GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Eclipse Diagram for GMT +1 (Greenwich Mean Time + 1 Hour)
Eclipse Diagram for GMT +2 (Greenwich Mean Time + 2 Hours)

View a chart detailing lunar eclipses to come over the next few years.