A Skygazer's Full Moon (22 December, 1999)
This dramatically sharp picture of the
full moon was recorded on 22 December, 1999 by astroimager Rob
Gendler.
Big, beautiful, bright, and evocative, it was the last full moon
of the Y1.9Ks, pleasing and inspiring even casual skygazers.
December's moon was special for another reason, as the full phase
occurred on the day of the winter solstice and within hours of
lunar perigee.
The first full moon of the year 2000 will bring a special treat
as well, presenting denizens of planet Earth with a total lunar
eclipse. On Thursday evening, January 20, the moon will encounter
the dark edge of Earth's shadow at 10:01 PM Eastern Time with the
total eclipse phase beginning at 11:05 PM and lasting for 77
minutes.
This lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America
and Western Europe (total phase begins at 4:05 AM GMT January
21).