Once in a Red Moon

The first total lunar eclipse visible in Orange County since 1996 will glow brick red Thursday night high in the crisp winter sky between 6-10 p.m. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar events are safe to watch with the naked eye.

Blocking Out the Sun

During the eclipse, the full Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. A full eclipse - called totality - includes a partial eclipse before and after the main event.

Why is the Moon Red

Light reaching the moon passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, bending and refracting it and filtering out most of the blue light in the spectrum. The remaining light is deep red or orange and dimmer than pure white sunlight.

Taking Photos

Star Trail - Use a camera that allows time exposures and ISO 100 or 200 film. Set aperture at f/8 or f/11. Place moon in one corner of viewfinder as eclipse begins. If moon drifts out of frame, select a different corner.

Multiple Exposure - Use a camera that allows multiple exposures and a stationary tripod. Take a series of pictures at various stages of the eclipse at consistent 10 minute intervals. Change exposure as eclipse proceeds based on Moon’s brightness.

Telephoto - Bracket photos with one at correct exposure, one overexposed, another underexposed.

Where to Watch in O.C.

Orange Coast College’s Astronomy Department throws a Lunar Eclipse Party on Thursday night from 6-10 p.m. on the lawn in front of the planetarium. Public can view eclipse through one of 10 telescopes. Location: 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 432-5725.

Chasing the Moon

Zero to three lunar eclipses occur annually. A look back and ahead at total lunar eclipses visible in Orange County.

Dec. 9, 1992

Nov. 29, 1993

April 4, 1996

Last: Sept. 27, 1996

Thursday

Next: May 16, 2003

Nov. 9, 2003

Oct. 28, 2004

March 3, 2007

Aug. 28, 2007

Sources: Fred Espenak, NASA Planetary Systems Branch; The Eclipse Zone; www.mreclipse.com, Sky & Telescope

Graphics reporting by BRADY MacDONALD / Los Angeles Times