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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
On Saturday morning, Yellowknifers have a good reason to get out of bed a little earlier than usual - for an opportunity to view the moon shrouded in the Earth's shadow. The celestial event last occurred in June, and won't happen again until 2014.

Yellowknifers observe a total lunar eclipse on the Dettah Ice Road last Dec. 21. Tomorrow morning, residents will be able to view another total lunar eclipse. - NNSL file photo

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon, said James Pugsley, president of Astronomy North. He said those residing in western North America will have an opportunity to view the eclipse just before the moon sets.

"Observers in the Northwest Territories will have an excellent view, with the first stages of the eclipse getting underway at 5:45 a.m. MST ... gradually we will watch as the bright full moon is covered by a reddish-orange shadow," Pugsley stated in an e-mail.

He said totality - when the moon is totally blanketed in shadow - will begin at approximately 7:06 a.m. and last until 7:57 a.m. The moon will then slowly return to full brightness within an hour and will set at 9:04 a.m.

"The colour we see will also be influenced by how low the moon is on the horizon at the time of the eclipse. Because the moon will be relatively low on the western horizon, totality is going to appear darker than the magnificent reddish-orange eclipse seen high over North America last year," stated Pugsley.

"So, for about an hour on Saturday morning, Northerners will be treated to a stunning view of the morning constellations - stars that were hidden by the bright full moon during the night will have a chance to shine while the moon is under the cover of Earth's shadow."

Pugsley said 2011 was a great year for eclipses on Earth - with four partial solar eclipses and two total lunar eclipses. The most recent total lunar eclipse occurred on June 15; the previous total lunar eclipse occurred on Dec. 21 - almost one year ago.

According to information from NASA, this will be the last total lunar eclipse until 2014.

"A clear sky on Saturday morning will have a lot to offer Northern skywatchers. Just imagine, the early dawn sky will be glowing in the east, a total lunar eclipse will be setting in the west, there will be bright morning stars high overhead, as well as a moderate chance of auroras. Not a bad way to start the weekend, if you ask me," said Pugsley.

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