Lunar Eclipse tonight!

Moon (WTAM)

(Cleveland) - A lunar eclipse is set to take place tonight, and will be visible throughout the area unless it's very cloudy. 

Cleveland State University research astronomer Jay Reynolds says it will start at 10:34 pm, and will peak around midnight. 

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned with Earth between the other two. 

A lunar eclipse can occur only on the night of a full moon. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moon's proximity to either node of its orbit.

Reynolds explains that this evening, our Moon will be at it's closest point, at the same time the moon is full, and passing through the shadow of the Earth. That's called a Super Blood Red Moon. 

Reynolds tells Newsradio WTAM, duration's and appearances will vary across the nation, especially to the south of Ohio

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. 

The only light reflected from the lunar surface has been refracted by Earth's atmosphere. 

This light appears reddish for the same reason that a sunset or sunrise does.At least two lunar eclipses and as many as five occur every year, although total lunar eclipses are significantly less common.

(Photos by Ken Robinson/WTAM)

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