Between Sun And Moon

Famous Sister called to mention the lunar eclipse, which has a cameo appearance by Saturn and the star Regulus on either side of the full moon.

This will be the last eclipse of the moon until 2010. "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", however, will be played every weekend at bars throughout the boystown portion of West Hollywood.

Skywatchers viewing through a telescope will have the added treat of seeing Saturn's handsome rings. I don't think they're handsome, but that's how they're being described.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes into Earth's shadow and is blocked from the sun's rays that normally illuminate it. During an eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon line up, leaving a darkened moon visible to observers on the night side of the planet. The moon doesn't go black because indirect sunlight still reaches it after passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Since the atmosphere filters out blue light, the indirect light that reaches the moon transforms it into a reddish or orange tinge, depending on how much dust and cloud cover are in the atmosphere at the time.

Tonight's total eclipse phase will last nearly an hour. Unlike solar eclipses which require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. That's because it's a rock reflecting light and not a massive burning nuclear reaction that at 63 million miles away can still burn you - duh!

Rush, "Between Sun And Moon"