Tonight's the Night: A Lunar Eclipse in the Making

Hey, Babylon Village night owls: It's time to look to the skies.

This year's total lunar eclipse is also called the Christmas lunar eclipse, as it happens a few days before Christmas—early Tuesday morning (or late Monday night, if you're still up and, say, wandering around the Green).  It is expected to last three hours and 28 minutes—and unlike a solar eclipse, is safe to view with the naked eye.

And speaking about viewing it with the naked eye, the village offers several great observation points, such as the open park area at Argyle Park, or likely best is the beach along Ocean Parkway. Just steer clear of street lights and shopping center areas for best viewing.

Although this is the second lunar eclipse of 2010, it is the first total lunar eclipse since Feb. 20, 2008. And the last total lunar eclipse that occurred simultaneously with Winter Solstice, as it does Tuesday morning, last happened in the year 1638.

The last lunar eclipse of 2010 is especially well-placed for observers throughout North America, according to NASA's eclipse website.

Partial Eclipse Begins: 1:33 a.m.

Total Eclipse Begins: 2:41 a.m.

Mid-Eclipse: 3:17 a.m.

Total Eclipse Ends: 3:53 a.m.

Partial Eclipse Ends: 5:01 a.m.