Awake

Lunar Eclipse on a Full Moon

Alan M. MacRobert (Sky and Telescope) writes, "The only slightly problematic area will be near the West Coast of North America, where the partial phase of the eclipse will begin just a few minutes after sunset and moonrise. But if you have an open view low to the east, even this situation will only add to the drama. As twilight fades, westerners will see the shadow-bitten Moon coming into stark view low above the landscape, and by the time totality begins, the sky will be getting quite dark and the Moon will be fairly high." (October's Ideal Lunar Eclipse, Sky and Telescope

Actually, the view from the west coast (Beaverton, Oregon) was stunning. I was at a children's program at church when the director came in and told us we could see the eclipse which was viewable right outside the door of the room we were in. Later, at about 9 pm (PST), we saw the white of the moon rather quickly appear and makes it way back over the surface. It was very exciting to watch. I only wish I had had my camera with me! This picture from Sky and Telescope will have to do. The colors in this picture are a little more vidid and saturated than what I observed. It was amazing, but would have been even more so with a telescope, I imagine.

Sky and Telescope - October's Ideal Lunar Eclipse