A composite photograph showing different phases of a total lunar eclipse over Lubbock on the morning of August 28, 2007. Photo by Todd Lindley.

A total lunar eclipse graced the skies over west Texas Wednesday night (20 February 2008). This eclipse occurred during the prime-time evening hours, and would have provided a wonderful opportunity for South Plains residents to observe the full duration of the moon’s path through the earth’s shadow. However, unfortunately the weather did not cooperate over much of the area, as low clouds moved in from the northwest in the wake of a cold front. This greatly limited viewing opportunities, though some locations across the southwest South Plains, where the clouds were slowest to move in, were able to witness the event!

The partial phase of the eclipse began at 7:53 pm CST as the moon first encounters the edge of earth’s shadow. More and more of the moon "disappeared” from view until 9:00 pm CST, when the moon took on a dark red shading as it become fully immersed within the shadow of the earth. Mid-eclipse occurred at 9:26 pm CST, followed by the end of totality at 9:52 pm CST.

For more detailed information on this eclipse visit the following page:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/15357796.html