I wish I had more time to pursue my interest in astronomy. But, there is little in common between astronomy and financial planning. I think most clients would appreciate my time being spent analyzing the new tax law instead of observing celestial events. But, I am sure to watch celestial events if they are rare or spectacular like the event tonight.

For the first time in 372 years, a total lunar eclipse will take place on the Winter’s solstice on December 20 to 21, 2010. It will be visible after midnight Eastern Standard Time on December 21 in North and South America. EST/12:17 a.m. PST.

According to space.com, if you are residing in the US particularly in the East Coast, expect to see the lunar eclipse as it begins half an hour after midnight on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. On the West Coast, it begins around 9:30 p.m. PST Monday. In all cases, the whole eclipse will be observable before the moon sets in the west just as the sun is rising in the east. Maximum eclipse is at 3:17 a.m.

This lunar eclipse will be followed by a meteor shower named as Ursids which is expected to peak on December 22 to 23, 2010. The Ursid meteor shower usually coincides with the winter solstice, and is best seen by polar bears since they come from near the celestial North Pole. Generally speaking they produce about a dozen or so per hour at their peak.  However, with the lunar eclipse occuring there may be some opportunities to catch an Ursid meteor or two from our region!

For more information about the Lunar Eclipse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/watchtheskies/index.html

For more information about the Ursids meteor shower, visit
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/lunar-eclipse-ursid-meteor-shower-101217.html