JERUSALEM: During the first total lunar eclipse in several years, the moon turned a shade of orange as it moved across the sky

Residents of Jerusalem witnessed the first total eclipse of the moon for the first time in several years, as the full Moon darkened and turned coppery red. The phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Moon and the Sun. Light scattering through the Earth's atmosphere is reduced to predominantly-red wavelengths, which reflect off the lunar surface. This year's lunar eclipse is visible from the UK, Europe and western Africa. The first of two total lunar eclipses in 2007 is unique in that it is partly visible from every continent around the world The second lunar eclipse of the year, which will occur in August 28, 2007, is another total eclipse. It is a deeper event since it is the first central total eclipse since 2000. The event can be observed without the need for any eye protection. The reason an eclipse does not happen every time there is a full Moon is that the Moon's orbit is inclined at five degrees to the Earth's orbital path around the Sun. As a result, the Earth's shadow usually passes above or below the Moon. In ancient times a "blood Moon" was viewed with dread and seen as an omen of disaster or great change.

ITN Source | March 4, 2007

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