NASA Eclipse 2012

NASA Eclipse 2012, Did last month’s solar eclipse event light up your interest in astronomy? If you’re as much of a astro geek as I am, then it’s time to get excited for Monday night.

Early on Monday (June 4), the full moon will dip into Earth’s shadow in a partial lunar eclipse that promises to impress skywatchers graced with good weather.

The lunar eclipse can best be seen at 3 a.m. EDT.

Then there is the Transit of Venus: Venus will cross paths between the sun and the Earth, and Earthlings will see a tiny dot floating across the surface of the sun over several hours. There is no question that countless numbers of people will be watching the transit of Venus on Tuesday; a very striking celestial phenomenon that has been seen only once in the last 129 years and won’t happen again until December in the year 2117.

This lunar eclipse will be completely visible over Australia, rising over eastern Asia and setting over western North America. New England and eastern Canada will miss the entire eclipse since the event begins after moonset in those regions.

Solar and lunar eclipses always come in groups. A solar eclipse is accompanied by a lunar eclipse two weeks before or after it, as over those two weeks the moon travels halfway around in its orbit and is likely to form another almost straight line with the earth and sun.

If the solar eclipse is a “central” one — that is, either total or annular — the lunar eclipse is likely to be one where the moon will only partially interact with the shadow of the Earth.

Monday’s full moon will swing around to skim through the northern edge of the earth’s own shadow. Those regions of our globe that enjoyed views of the solar eclipse will again be favored for a view of the upcoming lunar eclipse. (PolicyMic)