The last total lunar eclipse for the next two years was seen in the skies late Wednesday night. The next total eclipse isn’t due back until 2010. See photos of the eclipse.

In the late night hours of Feb. 20, 2008, the last total lunar eclipse until 2010 was seen in clear skies over the Miami Valley. Many braved temperatures nearing zero to go out and take in the phenomenon. The eclipse was best viewed by stargazers in the United States, the Americas and parts of Africa. Last night’s total lunar eclipse will be the last one until December 2010.

Last Total Eclipse Until 2010
The last total lunar eclipse for the next two years was seen in the skies late Wednesday night. The next total lunar eclipse isn’t due back until December 2010. Photo © Craig Barhorst

During an eclipse the moon changes color, going from a light gray color to an orange or deep red shade which represents a total eclipse. The moon takes on the color because indirect sunlight is still able to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere and cast a glow on the moon.

Stages of the 2008 Eclipse
Shown above are various stages of last night’s total lunar eclipse. Photos © Craig Barhorst

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow over the moon’s surface. The February 20, 2008 eclipse lasted for nearly 3 and a half hours. For a full 50 minutes of that time the moon was in totality – the period when the lunar surface is completely covered by the Earth’s shadow.

Story by staff. Source: NASA    br20080221-01