[Cheeze]

The farther west you are, the better your prospects. The entire eclipse happens in a dark sky over much of the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii. The West Coast sees the eclipse's final stages low in twilight. In the Mountain and part of the Central time zones, the partial eclipse will still be under way at the time of moonset and sunrise. East of there the Moon sets before the partial eclipse even begins.

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/moon...se-100625.html

Moon Illusion to Supersize Saturday Lunar Eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse set to occur early Saturday should look particularly stunning to observers in parts of North America thanks to an optical illusion that will make the moon look bigger than normal.

The moon will pass through part of Earth's shadow, temporarily becoming dark, starting at 6:17 a.m. EDT (1017 GMT) Saturday morning. That cosmic line-up coincides with the full moon of June and a so-called "moon illusion" that, weather permitting, should offer quite a show, according to a NASA announcement.

For observers in the central and western United States, the lunar eclipse will occur while the moon is still close to the horizon. The partial eclipse begins after the moon has set for observers in the eastern United States. (This graphic shows how the moon will appear during Saturday's three-hour partial lunar eclipse.)

Even though only 54 percent of the moon's diameter will be covered during the moment of greatest eclipse (around 7:38 a.m. EDT, 1138 GMT), the sight will appear magnified in size and charm by the "moon illusion." [Top 10 lunar eclipse facts]

Scientists aren't completely sure why, but low-hanging moons tend to look exceptionally large. When the moon beams through trees, buildings and other foreground objects close to the horizon, it often appears to be much larger than when it shines from overhead.

Even though cameras prove that low moons are no wider than any other moons, the human brain insists otherwise.

The moon will be most picturesque in the western and central parts of the United States where the moon will be setting as the eclipse reaches maximum. Viewers there should look low and to the west just before dawn to catch the best sight.

The same phenomenon will be visible to observers in India, Japan, and parts of East Asia. The eclipse will occur there on Saturday evening as the moon is rising, with the same illusion in full force. However, in the islands of the South Pacific, the moon will be hanging directly overhead in the midnight sky, so the horizon illusion won't add to the effect.

People in New England and northeastern Canada will just miss being able to see the eclipse.

[M3n00b]

Can't wait! I'll have the canon ready

3AM, I might still be up.

[Cheeze]

Originally Posted by M3n00b

Can't wait! I'll have the canon ready

Be sure to post up the pics.

[M3n00b]

It's been cloudy almost every day here from 7pm through 10am lately though.

[RSRlover4life]

So 6:17am? Im definitely down to watch this

[Cheeze]

Originally Posted by Mlover4life

So 6:17am? Im definitely down to watch this

6:17 EST time is the start. Best viewing at ~7:30 EST.

[P4lm3r]

I have seen several lunar eclipses, only been fortunate enough to see one solar eclipse(1994 or 1995). That was pretty cool.

[RSRlover4life]

Originally Posted by phil97m3Blue

6:17 EST time is the start. Best viewing at ~7:30 EST.

Yes, I noticed that part but it's a great excuse to take teh gf to the beach a little earlier while the sun is still down

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by phil97m3Blue

6:17 EST time is the start. Best viewing at ~7:30 EST.

Eh? How will that work? It's going to be bright as hell outside by then.

I took these probably about 15 +/- 2 years ago on a film camera. The date, which is hard to read, says the next lunar eclipse will be on Jan 20-21, 2000. Not the greatest, but I was also 13 - 15 with almost no clue on how a camera worked...

I have seen about 4 or 5 total lunar eclipses so I'll probably skip this one. I only got a partial view of the solar eclipse back in 94-95. I have still yet to see a total solar eclipse. You kind of have to plan those out.

[daffyduck]

phil...do you think we'll even see much of it from the philly area? and what time do you think we should head out to watch it?