Wonder what your ancestors were doing in 1554? That was 456 years ago and one experience they shared was watching a Lunar Eclipse at the same time as the Winter Solstice. It must have been party time at Stonehenge for the Druids and around the globe at many ancient observatory locations. The Druids reportedly could influence the weather, but what about the moon?
Something else from 1554 we can all relate to - it was the year Margarete von Waldeck (1533–1554) died. You know her better as Snow White. Scholars believe they have discovered parallels between the legendary Snow White and Margarete.
In 1937, Disney first presented their version of a fictional Snow White with the seven dwarfs. Did you know that she is one of the few fictional characters with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Now it’s easy to look at the brilliantly white full moon and think of Snow White too. In fact, if you read this story it may be hard to ignore the connection in the future.
Why is the moon the focus now?
Monday - December 20, 2010 - the Solstice and Eclipse will overlap for the first time since 1554. NASA has a lineup of activities for the total eclipse of the moon. Those in Arizona will have a great view of the big night sky, weather permitting, and an opportunity to text about it with others observing the event.
Astronomers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host live web chats to answer questions. Astronomer Rob Suggs will have a chat from 4 - 5 pm EST and discuss the best ways to view the eclipse. From 12 am - 5 am, Marshall researcher Mitzi Adams will answer questions as the eclipse passes across the continental United States. A live video feed of the eclipse will be available on the chat site. The eclipse happens when the moon passes through the shadow of Earth, and the moon's appearance changes from bright orange to blood red, like a giant red Christmas ornament in the sky, to dark brown and perhaps gray.
The I'm There: Lunar Eclipse text campaign will connect people watching the eclipse in the same area of the country and provide tips on viewing the phenomenon To learn how to connect with others in Arizona, or elsewhere across America, click here.
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