The luster will be a bit "off" on Dec. 21st, the first day of northern winter, when the full Moon passes almost dead-center through Earth's shadow. For 72 minutes of eerie totality, an amber light will play across the snows of North America, throwing landscapes into an unusual state of ruddy shadow.
The eclipse begins on Tuesday morning, Dec. 21st, at 1:33 am EST (Monday, Dec. 20th, at 10:33 pm PST). At that time, Earth's shadow will appear as a dark-red bite at the edge of the lunar disk. It takes about an hour for the "bite" to expand and swallow the entire Moon. Totality commences at 02:41 am EST (11:41 pm PST) and lasts for 72 minutes.
If you're planning to dash out for only one quick look - it is December, after all - choose this moment: 03:17 am EST (17 minutes past midnight PST). That's when the Moon will be in deepest shadow, displaying the most fantastic shades of coppery red.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/17dec_solsticeeclipse/
This would have been a post including pictures of the lunar eclipse; however, the skies over the city I live in have conspired against me, and sadly, I could not see the eclipse past the clouds.
Unfortunate, considering this is the first time a lunar eclipse has lined up with the Winter Solstice since 1638.
-ec.wolf
