For the first time in 372 years...multiple astronomical events are lining up for a rare display of synchronization tonight as a total lunar eclipse overlaps with 2010's winter solstice. The moon appears totally covered by shadow as the earth passes between the moon and the sun, during the lunar eclipse in this Jan. 9, 2001 file photo taken in Kiel, Germany. Today on the first day of northern winter, the full Moon passes almost dead-center through Earth's shadow. The eclipse began at 11:33 am. At that time, Earth's shadow appeared as a dark-red bite at the edge of the lunar disk. It took about an hour for the bite to expand and swallow the entire Moon. Totality commences at 12:41 am and will last for 72 minutes. According to NASA the last total lunar eclipse that happened on the winter solstice was Dec. 21, 1638. The next one will Dec. 21, 2094. So basically a once in a lifetime opportunity.
